Page 26 of Liberty

Good.

“If you set one foot on my property again, asshole, I’m calling the cops. And you’d better hope they get to you before I do.”

He nodded slowly. “Okay, okay. I got it. I’ll leave.”

“Yeah, well, I don’t trust you,” I said. “So, we’re gonna wait right here until security gets here. They’ll walk you to your car and make sure you get out of here with no more issue. Got it?”

“I got it. I got it.”

“Good.”

A moment later, two uniformed security guards approached. They took over for me, grabbing Ryan and walking away.

I immediately turned to Libby, opening my arms to her. She came closer, pressing her body to my chest. “I got you,” I said gently, holding her close. “I got you.”

She sniffled, nodding. “Okay. Fuck. I didn’t think he’d show up here!”

“It’s okay. It’s okay. He’s gone now.” I held her, rubbing her back.

I wanted to know if she meant what she’d said. That she could do better, and that was me.

But I wasn’t going to press. I just held her.

She lifted her head after a moment, swallowing. “What did you mean, when you called thisyourresort?”

“Oh.” Had that not come up yet? I shrugged. “I own this. The resort.”

Chapter Eleven

Libby

Cooper owned the resort.

Why hadn’t he told me that sooner?

I looked at him, eyes wide. “What—what do you mean?”

He shrugged. “I came here to do some work when I was getting my PhD. And I loved it. So I never left. Climbed the ranks and saved money and bought it for a steal when the old owner wanted to retire.”

I laughed, shaking my head. “You’re full of surprises, aren’t you?”

He grinned. “I guess so. Keeps things interesting, right?”

“I guess.” I smiled weakly. “Thank you. For handling that.”

“Of course. I’m not gonna stand here and let a guy treat a woman like that, no matter how I feel about her. It’s cowardly.”

Of course he’d think like that.

I sighed softly. “Thank you. I was really scared.”

“Well, he’s gone now. And if he ever messes with you again, call me. I’m giving you my number. I’m not above driving to Mississippi to kick some ass.”

I laughed, really laughed this time, and hugged him again.

“Let’s go back to the party,” he said. “I’ll hold your glasses, if you want.”

“Yeah. That sounds good.”

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