Page 107 of Nate

“Oh, yes you are, Nathanial Jefferson. No arguing,” Markie snapped. She noticed the two deputies and Rafe grinning.

“Don’t argue with a woman,” Deputy Townson said.

“Why are you two on nightshift?” Rafe asked them.

“Paul had a family emergency and Mark is on vacation.” Deputy Shelton told him, then looked at Markie. “Tell me what happened.”

Markie relayed everything that had occurred tonight, along with going back as far as telling them about Jarrett and her mother. How he stole her pills and that’s what he was here for.

“In fact, the bag is still in the back room. He’s been addicted for years. That’s why he married my mother. When my father died, he saw the perfect opportunity to get pills for nothing. When Nate rang the bell again, I set it down because Jarrett wanted me to get whoever was there to leave.”

“You rang the doorbell?” Logan asked Nate.

“Yeah, for the second time. After I talked to her the first time, I knew she was in trouble.”

“So, you took it upon yourself to bust in here without calling us first,” Nevada said.

“Uh, yeah,” Nate said as he looked at Rafe.

“Hey, don’t look at me. I told you we needed to call.”

“You and me?” Nate pointed to Rafe and himself. “We’re no longer friends.” Nate grinned when Rafe laughed.

****

It had been a couple of weeks since the chaotic incident with Jarrett, and Nate getting shot, but they were still on high alert. Nate knew in his gut that Jarrett would be back for revenge. That was why he was teaching Markie how to shoot a gun, so she could protect herself if needed.

Nate leaned against the post of his porch, the rough wood pressing into his shoulder as he watched Markie’s SUV come to a stop. The engine cut off and she stepped out of the vehicle and made her way over to him. Her smile lit up her face and Nate felt his heart race at the sight.

“Hi,” she greeted him as she climbed the steps to join him on the porch. Her blue blouse was tucked into her jeans, and she took his breath away.

“Hey, darlin’. How are you today?” Nate asked, concern lacing his tone. He knew she had been struggling with nightmares and restless sleep, but he also saw her getting stronger every day. She had stayed with him for a week before finally going back to her own apartment. He had enjoyed having her here, but he respected her decision to return home.

As she leaned in for a kiss, Nate pulled her into his arms, savoring the feel of her body against his. His lips moved hungrily against hers in a deep kiss, their connection growing stronger with each passing moment.

“Are you ready for this?” he asked as he stared into her eyes.

Markie nervously chewed on her bottom lip. “I don’t like guns.”

“I know, but you need protection and since you won’t stay with me, you have to be able to defend yourself. This is the only way, Markie.”

“I understand. I just...”

He shook his head, understanding her hesitation. “I want you to feel safe, even when I’m not around.”

“Okay.”

He took her hand and led her through the woods surrounding his home until they reached a clearing. A target was set up in front of a tree.

“Do you practice here?” Markie asked.

“Yes, I do. I don’t like shooting anything if I can avoid it, but with all the wildlife around, sometimes it’s necessary. I usually shoot into the air to scare them off, but if they attack, I need to be prepared.”

“I can see that.”

“Alright, on this table here, there are two handguns. The Glock 17 may be too heavy for you, so we also have a Smith and Wesson Shield that might be more suitable. Try both and see which one feels better.” Nate handed her the Glock first, but Markie shook her head.

“It’s too heavy.”

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