All eyes look to him and then to me, causing my cheeks to heat.His stare draws me toward it in challenge.I know things are a little different now that they’ve come after me again, and he’s only trying to protect me, but I also have to stand up for myself.
I’m not about to put him on the spot in front of the other men, but I’m sure as hell not backing down.
I’ll still be here when he rides out of town in that fancy truck of his, and I’m not hiding year after year.No, this ends now.They can come and get me right out in the open, because everyone knows I tend bar with Lettie and PJ on Saturdays now that it’s gotten so busy.
If I don’t show up, they’ll know I’m hiding, and that won’t stop them anyway, so why hide?No, I am going to face these demons and get them right out of my mind.
I turn and head back toward the truck, still mulling over the options that I had, not seeing one other one I could have taken.At least that doesn’t make me feel like a two-bit heel, a coward hiding behind a man who’s not going be here after a week.
I’ve barely reached the passenger side of Beckett’s truck when he opens it for me and grabs me by the waist, lifting me right into the front seat.“Seat belt on, darling.Then we talk,” he says, shutting the door of the cab.
I pull the strap around me, watching as he walks around the front of the truck and hops in, closing his door.He doesn’t say a word but once he’s buckled and we’re back on the road, the silence starts to get to me.“I have to do what I need to do.”
“And I’m trying to be understanding of that, while still doing my job.Right now, my job is protecting you and I can’t do that if you’re going to hang out in the very bar that is at the top of the list for these men to hit.”
“I’ll be fine.”
His jaw tightens.“And you recall that is exactly what Kenny thought before someone walked into his bar and shot him point blank.Surgeries and ICU, and still he barely pulled through.Is that how you want this thing to end for you?”
I start to say something, but he’s clearly far from through.
“That’s not going to happen.Not on my watch.Not today, not tomorrow, and not next week at the grand opening.I’m going to keep you safe until all of this is blown over.”
The emotion cracks my voice.“Yeah, until you leave, and then what?Then they come for me again, just like last year, and this year, and then again after you leave?No, I’ve had enough.I am not going to hide behind your pants when I know you’re not going to be here to protect me in the future.”
He starts to say something but now I’m the one to cut him off.“I’m sorry, Beckett.I’m not changing my mind.I’m going to work Saturday night with Lettie and if they walk in the door, I’ll have to deal with whatever happens.But make no mistake, I am done being scared and being intimidated by those bastards.”
11
Beckett
I’ve always prided myself on patience, but this cold shoulder treatment all week has gone on long enough.Walking through the house on eggshells, craving the touch of each other but her always looking away because she knows I’ll be leaving after the grand opening.We’ll take care of business, and then just like any other mission, I’ll be expected to be on my way.
It's all I’ve been able to think about.Her, this town, what I want from life.Right now though, I need to focus on keeping her safe through one more night, the toughest night.
“I know we’ve been through it a hundred times this week, but I don’t want you to be at the bar tomorrow tonight.”
Her eyes meet mine, and I already know what her answer is going to be.Time and time again it’s the same.“My decision isn’t changing, Beckett.”
My jaw locks tight, knowing this is one of those arguments I’m not going to win.I’m going to have to find another way to make sure she can do the things she loves, feel safe doing them, and get rid of those bastards for good at the very same time.
The rest of the drive out to her house is awkwardly silent, battle lines have been drawn, and neither one of us is backing down, but I’m not leaving her unprotected, no matter that stubborn little streak.
I jump down from the truck and walk around to open her door, but she’s already opened it and is half down.I scoop her by the waist and put her on the ground, tilting her chin so she has no choice but to look at me.“You can go to work, but you’re not going alone.You can argue with me until you’re blue in the face, but when you show up tomorrow, I will be there.”
Her blue eyes flash with defiance.“That doesn’t send the same message.They’ll just wait until you’re gone and try it again.I’m going for a run.”
“No, it’s too dangerous.”
She gives me a glare.“I’m going for a run.I am not hiding.That is final.”
I close the truck door and take her hand.“Come on.It’s been a long day.Get your running shoes.We’re going to get the energy run right out of us then.”
She looks up at me and her eyes settle before she nods.“I really could use a long run.Are you up for eight miles?”she asks, her eyes sparking to life a little.
“More than ready.”
She eyes me with open suspicion.“How often do you run?”
