Page 81 of When He Hunts

“I killed the bastard, princess. If I’d gotten up faster, if I had heard him enter the house, I could have donemore.Sooner.”

“Or maybe if you’d gotten up faster, you would be dead, too. Maybe you would be dead and all the people you’ve saved over the years—people like me—maybe we’d all be dead, as well.”

He blinked.

“Do me a big favor, would you, Ronan? Stop thinking you’re only about death. Try seeing you’re also about life.”

Chapter Nineteen

“Clearly,you were made for the protection business. You just can’t take your eyes off your target.”

Behind the lens of his sunglasses, Ronan did, in fact, have his eyes on his target. She was currently snorkeling about ten feet off the shore. Every few moments, she’d bob up, let out a delighted laugh, and call out to him as Luna raved about some amazing fish she’d just seen.

She’d wanted him to come in the water with her. And, oh, but she had certainly been tempting in that little black scrap of a bathing suit that she wore. How could a one-piece be described as a scrap? Fine, it probably wasn’t. Probably was meant to be demure and covering, but her breasts filled the top and her hips curved in the bottom so damn temptingly, and every single thing about her was sexy to him.

He’d stayed on shore, the better to watch over Luna. If his fool head was underwater, he might miss a threat.

Ronan couldn’t miss a threat. Especially because…

I don’t trust Gray. I think he sold her out. Sold us out. And now I’m about to learn the truth.A truth he’d get from Tyler, one way or another. He’d expected this meeting. Had, in fact, been surprised Tyler hadn’t approached him sooner. It was nearing noon. What had his buddy done? Slept the day away?

“My wife is the most gorgeous sight on this beach,” Ronan responded. “Why would I want to look anywhere else?”

Without an invitation, Tyler lowered into the chaise next to his. Luna’s chaise.

“I thought we were going to be strangers,” Ronan noted, voice lower. Only for Tyler.

“We are. We’re strangers who are quickly becoming fast friends.”

Ronan turned his head toward Tyler. Tyler—also wearing sunglasses—saluted him with a giant pineapple drink.

“What the fuck is that?” Ronan demanded. The top of the pineapple had been cut off and a straw perched inside it.

“Esme insisted we buy one. Then she took one sip and hated it.” Tyler sipped. Considered. Then announced, “I don’t mind it.”

“Fantastic for you.” Ronan’s head turned back to the best view just in time for Luna to pop up. She waved at him as a broad smile curved her lips.

“Someone seems to be having the time of her life,” Tyler murmured. “Or, is that the time of her death?”

“Fuck off,” Ronan replied pleasantly.

Instead, Tyler just spread out on the chaise and got more comfortable. “There’s a new hit.” Mild, like they were talking about the weather.

Only there was nothing mild about the reaction that blasted its way through Ronan’s body. Fury filled every cell, and a red, killing haze covered his vision. “That bastard let it leak that Luna was still alive.” Damn Gray. He would pay for his betrayal. “Itoldhim I wasn’t going for that plan. Warned him that it would be carried out only over my dead body.” He leapt up. “I’m taking her away.” Done. Decided. Choice made. “I’ll hide Luna, and no one will ever find her.” Luna would have to stay with him now. Forever. He didn’t have to fight his instincts. This would be about her protection. Keeping her safe. Doing what was best for Luna.

He fuckinghadthis. He took a step forward.

Tyler’s hand reached out and lazily curled around his wrist. “Slow your roll. You’re looking a wee bit too desperate and dramatic on this beautiful day.”

Screw that. “A hit is on mywife.” Low and guttural.

“First, not really your wife. Did you forget that part?”

Luna disappeared beneath the water.

“Second, I never said the hit was on her.”

Once again, his head whipped toward Tyler.

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