Page 33 of Mine to Protect

“That’s also interesting. Because, get this…” Emmerson said. “There were no prints on the bill. Not a single one. Totally clean.”

“That’s not possible.”

“Exactly,” Emmerson said.

“Chris told Jackie he had to run, which was why he left everything behind. That he barely had time to snag his keys. If we believe that scenario, the bad guys turned the place over, didn’t find the key, and left the money behind so we’d think Chris was a criminal. And, he basically admitted that he was the one who tipped us off to the necklace.”

“That actually makes sense.”

“Well, now that I’m sitting here waiting for him to show up, I can’t go with you to the bank.” Of course, his mother wasn’t on board with that anyway. “However, I need you to run some interference and let Mom in on some of this, especially who might be lurking in the background. AKA, the mob.”

“Absolutely. I’ll make sure we have more officers on hand. I’ll tell Mom to handle whatever is inside carefully and call you as soon as I know anything.”

“You’ll be with her, right? Or Emmett?”

“I’ll be there,” Emmerson said. “Talk to you later.”

Rhett ended the call and tucked his cell into his back pocket. He turned on his heels, took two steps, and paused.

Shelby came flying out the door. “What happened?” She charged him like a wild boar.

He resisted the urge to back up. He grounded himself and prepared to be toppled. “Chris and Jackie are on their way here.”

“Seriously?”

“That’s what he said.” Rhett’s blood raced through his system as he stared into her intense orbs. It was as if he could see right into her soul. He grabbed her by the hips and steadied them both. “Emmerson will take point on whatever’s happening at the bank. You and I will sit tight here. Everything’s going to be fine.”

Tears flowed down her cheeks. “Are you sure?”

He couldn’t be completely honest about that. A million and one things could go wrong, and he had no idea what was in store for his family at the bank, especially when it came to the bad guys. But he had to trust the process. This wasn’t the first time the Kirbys had been caught in the crossfire.

And it wouldn’t be the last.

“Yes. It’s all going to be fine.”

“I wish I could believe that.”

He brushed some of her hair over her shoulder before cupping the back of her neck. Memories of waking up with her in his arms in Key West collided with thoughts of last night. Those mornings had been the sweetest moments of his life. He’d never forgotten them. As a matter of fact, he’d cherished them, locking them away in a special place inside his brain. He let them out on special occasions when he either needed a pick-me-up or wanted to torture himself.

It sounded strange, but thoughts of those three weeks served two different purposes in his life. They tormented his heart while they also reminded him that he was a man who loved deeply.

But he’d put his heart under lock and key, never to be allowed near a woman again.

Only now, staring at Shelby, his heart demanded release and begged to be given to her on a silver platter. It ached to love her, and it didn’t care if she loved him back. It was willing to take the risk.

Especially after last night. He’d become the kind of man who accepted that he might never have her forever, so he’d take her right here and now.

Even if Rhett’s mind kept yelling at him not to kiss her. Not to allow her back into his heart.

It was too late.

He took her mouth, hot and hard. He couldn’t resist, and he couldn’t stop. Not unless she made him, and then he’d stand down.

But she pulled him closer, wrapping her arms tightly around his body.

Her tongue greeted his with power and passion. She took over the kiss, deepening it. His muscles twitched, and fire filled his belly. His insides came alive as if they’d been asleep for the last five years.

He lifted her into his arms and carried her across the patio.

---