Page 39 of Exes and Oh Hell No

“Shut the hell up,” I growl, not wanting to scare Harper and have her faint again.

“Maybe I should faint, and you can give me mouth-to-mouth.” Gram gives Connor a shit-eating grin.

“I’ve got you, my blue-eyed vixen.”

“I should run into the wall and knock myself out, so I’m not subjected to this.” I scowl at Connor and Gram.

They’re not at all bothered by it.

“Maybe I need to faint again,” Harper jokes.

I squeeze her hand, my lips brushing her ear. “Please don’t. You had me worried.”

“So what’s the plan tonight? Is Harper staying here?” Gram asks.

My gaze drops to Harper. “I think it’s for the best. It’s not safe after that rock was thrown through your window.”

“Rock? Someone threw a rock through her window?” Gram’s voice raises, anger lacing every word.

Harper nods. “I woke up to glass splintering and the thud of something hitting the floor. I felt the breeze blowing through the broken window.”

She lifts a shaky hand to her hair, and I spot the gauze I insisted on putting on it after I cleaned it at her house.

“I cut myself on a shard when I grabbed my phone.” She holds up her bandaged hand. “I got up and found a rock with a note wrapped around it. I was scared to death as I crept to the window, trying not to step on any glass, but I didn’t see anyone or anything.”

“They probably threw it and ran. What did the note say?” Connor asks.

She trembles, and I grab her, pulling her into my embrace.

My voice is low when I answer.“This isn’t over.”

“Sounds like someone has a vendetta against her.” Connor’s eyes move to Gram. “I’ll sleep here tonight to help keep Harper safe.”

“Oh, you don’t have to. I don’t wanna put you out.” Harper’s brows furrow, worry lining her face.

Connor pats her hand. “You’re not. Besides, if someone would be stupid enough to come after you here, Ford will fucking kill him, and I need to keep the team’s best player out of prison.”

A smile curves her lips. “Always worried about hockey first, huh?”

“You know it. That’s why I’m single.”

I snort. “Lies. No girl can stand him long enough to date him. He annoys the shit outta them, and they leave.”

Connor laughs. “Fuck you, man.”

I grin at him. “I speak the truth.”

My gaze moves to Gram. “I’ll put her in the guest room across from mine.”

There’s a twinkle in her eyes, but I pretend not to notice.

I know what she’s thinking, and she isn’t wrong.

I’ll be in that room with Harper tonight.

There’s no fucking way I’m leaving her alone.

15

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