Page 64 of Island Protector

“No. No, it’s not that at all. I’m just feeling guilty. My life’s a mess and you got hurt and we’ve kind of?—”

“Jumped into a relationship.”

“Apparently.” She licked her lips. “I’m not opposed. I guess you’ve figured that out.”

“Mm-hm.” He leaned against the counter, wondering where she was going. “Your life’s not a mess.”

She snorted. “Shouldn’t you be resting or something? Making you stand around in your own kitchen must go against doctor’s orders.”

“I’m doing fine.” He knew he looked rough. At the clinic, he must’ve scared Bryce. The boy rallied, though, treating him now as if nothing was wrong. He appreciated that. “We could go out to the porch swing.”

Her cheeks started to turn pink. “That’s silly.”

“The fresh air is good medicine, right?”

“Laughter is the best medicine,” Bryce piped up. “Aunt Sharon says that.”

“We can debate it later,” Molly said. “We should go and let you rest. Do you need me to bring groceries over? I’m happy to share some of the food Lila delivered.”

“You sound like a girlfriend,” he pointed out, keeping his voice low.

She rolled her eyes. “I sound like a concerned neighbor.”

He could play along. “I’m good on groceries.”

“Can we have Parker’s for dinner?” Bryce asked.

“We just had a Parker’s picnic last night,” Molly replied.

“But we’re close.” He said it with just enough whining that Molly steered him toward the car.

“We’ll get going.” She smiled at him. When Bryce wasn’t looking, she squeezed his hand. “Call if you need anything.”

“Absolutely.” He wondered how she’d react if he told her how much he needed her.

She refused to let him walk them past the porch so he stood there at the railing, wishing she was comfortable enough to kiss him in front of Bryce. He waved as she drove away in the car he’d loaned her. Helping her gave him a great deal of satisfaction. He watched until they were around the bend. Sad, he turned toward the house.

And caught the glare of sunlight bouncing off of glass.

He braced for impact, thinking it was a gun. Because thatwas exactly what the Vedras clan would do. Whoever ordered last night’s attack had likely issued a new order to make sure he went down and stayed down this time.

But the bullet never came and whatever reflected that light disappeared. Another thought occurred to him. If it wasn’t a rifle, it had probably been a camera. Had to be the same slimeball that threatened Molly with those doctored photos.

Pissed off, Miles shouted toward the marsh. “Whoever you are, you might as well show yourself!” He waited, but didn’t get a reaction, the coward. The only movement was the wind through the grass and a white heron lifting up and gliding off for better hunting.

Miles shouted again, “Get the hell out of town before we find you. This is your only warning.”

He went inside, letting the screen door slam shut behind him. He locked the front door and then checked the locks on every other window and door. Once the security alarm was set, he texted Knox.

A moment later his phone rang.

“What the hell do you mean it’s about her and not you?” Knox demanded.

“Hello to you too,” Miles grumbled. “But I’m right. Someone out in the marsh was watching me. Since they didn’t take a shot or rush the house it’s safe to assume it’s not Vedras.”

“Agreed.”

“Which means it’s someone spying on Molly. Probably the same jerk who jumped me last night.”

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