Page 216 of Rangers Last Promise

“Mara.”

“What?”

“I meant what I said earlier.”

Her expression changes.

I don't have to explain which words.

I think I'm staying because of you.

“I know.”

“That scares me.”

Her eyes soften.

“Me too.”

I turn toward her.

She's close.

Too close for pretending.

“I promised Grant I'd protect you.”

“I know.”

“But when Hampton took me…”

“You were kidnapped.”

“I remember.”

“I chased you.”

“I noticed.”

“I would've chased you even if Grant had never existed.”

The words knock the air out of me.

Mara slides off the hood.

Now she's standing directly in front of me.

“This isn't about my brother anymore.”

My heart pounds.

“No.”

“Good.”

She reaches up.

Her fingers touch my jaw.