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It was time to go.
“It would seem that you all have been correct in that my superiors have given me the authority to deputize you, Sergeant Owen. I shall do so, only on one condition.”
“What is that?” Declan growled.
Out of the corner of her eyes, Aspen watched Declan clench his fist. She stepped closer to him and gripped his arm in hers. She slid her hand along his forearm and entwined her fingers with his. He glanced down at her and seemed to relax under her touch.
“You stay out of our way and let us handle any threats to Ms. Hale,” Ball demanded.
“You sonofa—
“He will,” she cut Declan off and held him tight.
He was strung taut, and she was afraid he’d attack. It would be the last thing she need—the feds and local boys in blue fighting in small quarters. From the look of the feds, they were hoping he’d attack. “You won’t have to worry about Declan.”
“You sure won’t,” Mac’s hard voice cut through the air.
Aspen swiveled her head in his direction and swallowed hard. The cold glint in Mac’s eyes had her wanting to step back. If he flew across the room, there’d be no way she’d be able to stop him.
“Settle down, gentleman. There is a lady in the room.” Ashton’s deep drawl was more pronounced. He pushed off the wall he’d been leaning against and sauntered over to the feds. He purposely put himself between Declan and the feds. “We all want what is best for Aspen. Dec here won’t risk her safety.”
Declan wrapped his arm around her possessively. She leaned her head against his chest and felt safe in his arms. His chest rumbled as he ran a hand along his face.
“Whatever I have to do, I will. Aspen is important to me.”
Her breath caught in her throat, and she looked up to meet his stormy eyes. She swallowed hard and knew he spoke the truth.
“Good, because we have other news.” Williams looked around the room. He slid his hands into his pockets and turned to Aspen. “We leave tonight.”
“Tonight?” Aspen exclaimed. “If we have the help of the cops here, why do I have to leave?”
She wasn’t ready to leave. She wouldn’t get to say goodbye to anyone. It was happening again. She’d just disappear and lose everything once more.
She’d miss her job at the library.
She’d miss the only friend she’d made in Columbia—Evie. She was sure her friend was freaking out because Aspen hadn’t reported to work.
“The attack was too close. It’s time we move. According to our superiors, you have to return to California,” Ball announced.
Declan’s grip tightened on her as the room grew quiet.
“Then if that’s the case, we’ll be happy to give you an escort to the airport,” Mac said. It wasn’t an offer.
Even Aspen got the message loud and clear. He and his men would be ready to protect her.
All because of Declan. This was the safest she’d felt—ever. Declan’s men weren’t even hesitating at helping her. She was amazed by his men. They didn’t even know her but were willing to protect her.
It made her feel as if she belonged.
And now she had to go face the one man who’d torn her life apart.
She squeezed her eyes tight, the memories of that night coming back to her. Her heart raced with the thought of sitting in a courtroom with that monster.
This was what she had been waiting for. She drew in a deep breath and knew she had to do this. She couldn’t let him walk.
It was time to face him.
“Okay, lover boy. Let’s get this over with.” Ball walked over to Declan, who released her.
