Page 44 of High Value Target

She closed her eyes and dropped her head. “But you’ll protect me, right?”

“I’m not leaving your side. I just need you to stop trying to ditch me. Got it?”

“Got it.”

Grady took a sip of bourbon and watched the lightning flash in the distance. “What’s the deal with Perry?”

“What do you mean?”

“He’s always around.”

She shrugged. “He and Palmer are extremely close.”

“Is that all?”

“Pretty much.”

“Pretty much?”

“Well, he tried to kiss me once.”

“Recently?”

“No. On my sixteenth birthday. I pushed him away, or tried to, then my brother interrupted us, and he finally let me go and stalked off.”

“Whoa. Back the train up. Did he try to force himself on you?”

“I suppose you could call it that.”

“But your brother stopped him?”

“Yes.”

“He ever try anything with you after that?”

“Nope.”

“Do you think he still has feelings for you?”

“I doubt it. I think it’s always been about him being in competition with Palmer.”

“Is he dating someone?”

“Not that I know of. Why?”

“Has there been anyone special that you know of?”

“For Perry? Not that I’m aware. What are you thinking? That this is all him? That’s ridiculous.”

“Is it? Maybe he’s obsessed with you.”

“You’re being crazy. I’m…”

“You’re what?”

She cleared her throat and picked at the railing, refusing to meet his eyes. “I’m marrying his brother.”

“Oh.” A knot formed in his throat. “So it’s set, then?”

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