Page 53 of Boulder's Weight

My first instinct is to refuse.

Independence has become my religion since fleeing Montana.

Accepting help feels dangerous, like admitting weakness.

But the memory of Benji's voice—cold, threatening—makes me reconsider.

Before I can answer, Boulder pulls out his phone and dials. "Lashes, it's Boulder. Yeah, I know... Listen, I need you to do me a solid and take my shift tonight... Yeah, I'll owe you one." He listens for a moment, then chuckles. "No, not that kind of solid. Thanks. I'll cover for you next week."

A strange feeling twists in my stomach at the way he laughs with this "Lashes" person.

Jealousy?

I push the thought away, irritated with myself for caring.

"It's done," Boulder says, pocketing his phone. "I'm all yours for the night."

The way he says it sends a shiver down my spine that has nothing to do with fear.

"Fine," I grumble, "but just for tonight. I've got a couch you can crash on."

We walk to my apartment in silence, Boulder keeping close, his eyes constantly scanning our surroundings.

There's no sign of the black truck, but I can't shake the unease crawling under my skin.

My apartment building is nothing special—just a basic four-story complex with exterior stairs and a security door that doesn't really secure anything.

Boulder frowns at the flimsy lock as I let us in.

"You should get that reinforced," he says.

"I'll add it to my list of security upgrades, right after the moat and drawbridge," I reply sarcastically.

Inside my apartment, Boulder doesn't sit down.

Instead, he checks each room, looking in closets, checking window locks.

I should be annoyed at his presumption, but instead, I find it oddly comforting.

"All clear," he says, returning to the living room where I'm still standing awkwardly by the door. "Place is small enough that no one could hide in here anyway."

"It's not much," I admit, suddenly self-conscious about the sparse furnishings, the lack of personal touches. It's not a home, just a place to sleep. "But it works for now."

Boulder's gaze softens as he looks at me. "You don't have to tell me why you're running from him, Kelsey. But know that while I'm here, nothing touches you. Not a damn thing."

His words hit me like a physical force, breaking through the carefully constructed walls I've built around myself.

No one has promised to protect me in a long time.

Not since Sam helped me escape.

I've been so focused on protecting myself that I've forgotten what it feels like to have someone else stand guard.

"Boulder..." I whisper, my voice cracking slightly.

He crosses the room in two long strides, his hands coming up to frame my face.

"I mean it," he says, his voice rough with emotion. "Nothing gets past me."

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