Page 48 of Island Protector

“Is it?”

Knox’s grin flashed. “They say self-awareness is the first step togrowth.”

“Whatever.” Miles turned back to his study of the surveillance around the workshop. “Jess filled you in?”

“She did. Even warned me you’d be in a mood.”

“I’m worried about Molly. She doesn’t deserve any of this.”

“Who does?” Knox studied Miles. “Look, the protection detail around her is stronger by the hour. With you at her side and the perimeter protected, no one will pull anything.”

Miles stared him down. “You know I’ve never understood how the protectors keep such a low profile. I think y’all could give the CIA lessons.”

“Could be a few protectors have done just that.”

Knox didn’t seem to be joking. Miles didn’t dwell on it, instead getting back to his main concern. “There’s gotta be some way to prove this custody challenge is bogus. Sooner rather than later,” he added.

“Trust me, they’re all working on it,” Knox replied. “You’ve got your own issues. Have you found anyone to take over the sailing school when you’re ready to move on?”

The question caught Miles off guard. They hadn’t discussed his plans to leave in months. Now it felt like home. “I’m staying.”

Knox dipped his chin, not looking surprised at all. “You cleared that with Caldwell?”

“The chief doesn’t get to decide where I live.”

Miles had been searching for home his entire life. He never expected to find it here on Brookwell. Honestly, it had nothing to do with the island and everything to do with Molly and her little boy.

“You know we picked up Bryce together after school,” Miles said.

“Uh-huh.”

“It felt like the easiest thing in the world to give them myvehicle information so I could go through the pick-up line alone next time Molly needs me to.”

“Next time?” Knox queried.

Miles leaned back against his desk. “Yeah. It’s weird how much I’m looking forward to next time. Whenever and whatever that might entail.”

“Just playing devil’s advocate. Is this some white knight syndrome you’ve got going on? It happens to some of the protectors. They get hooked on more than the adrenaline during an op and start believing how much one particular client needs them. When people appreciate you, it can be addictive.”

“Is that the voice of experience?”

Knox shrugged. “No. I’ve never crossed the line.”

Miles wondered about the other man. There was a story there, but he didn’t think he’d earned the right to hear it. “You knew from the time we met I wasn’t going to stick with undercover work, didn’t you?”

Knox’s mouth twitched. “You never know. For what it’s worth, I thought you had more brains than to choose to work undercover ops permanently. It’s a hard life.” His jaw set. “But your commitment on the Vedras op made a big difference for a lot of people.”

“As long as what I did doesn’t leave a target on my back permanently.”

“Come on. You know the Guardian Agency doesn’t hang their own out to dry. If you want to make a life here, Miles, you can. Don’t let the past stop you.”

He was fighting his own urge to run. With Molly and Bryce in tow. As much as he wanted to whisk Molly and Bryce away from any unpleasantness, he figured staying put was probably safer. Knox had proven himself reliable. Miles could count on him.

“I’ll stick,” he decided.

“Contingent on one single mom and her son?”

“No,” Miles admitted. “Even if things don’t work out with Molly and Bryce, this will be home.”

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