Page 9 of The Veteran

“Please, Sage,” Willow said. “You didn’t mind Kade watching over you when I was in trouble. Why not let someone protect you now?”

Sage gave Willow a look of betrayal. “All he did was accompany me to my grandparents’ house. Besides, I knew the risk of danger was low. They were after you, not me. This is different.”

“Wait.” I struggled to follow her logic. “You were fine with having a bodyguard when you didn’t think you needed one, but now that you might actually be in danger you don’t want one?” She must know how crazy that sounded.

Sage arched a brow. “Believe it or not, I’m capable of defending myself.”

I barely managed not to snort. From her expression, it was obvious she wasn’t kidding. “You think the world is all rainbows and butterflies, but it isn’t. Knowing a few self-defense moves won’t stop anybody with proper training.”

Her eyes glinted. “I may not approve of violence, but I’m not an idiot,” she said tightly. “I’ve been learning krav maga since last year. I know how to shoot and I have a license to carry a handgun.”

My mouth opened, then shut. That, I hadn’t expected. Still, some of King’s Security’s clients had black belts in martial arts and still employed bodyguards because they knew they couldn’t fight off every attack themselves.

“You’d be better off helping the police find Getty and Baker,” she added.

I didn’t reply. I couldn’t deny that part of me wanted to track those bastards down purely so I’d have the satisfaction of throwing them in prison, but my instincts told me Sage needed to be protected, and listening to my instincts had kept me alive in the military, so I wasn’t about to doubt them now.

“Actually, Sage, he’s right,” Joanna said, joining the conversation for the first time. “It’s likely you’re being targeted, so you can either take King’s Security up on their offer or you can enter protective custody until we’ve recaptured the men you testified against. I’m not comfortable leaving you unprotected.”

A range of expressions danced through Sage’s eyes. Resentment and frustration, but fear lay beneath them. She pressed her lips together and sighed.

“Fine.” Her shoulders drooped. “Somebody can guard me.”

Relief filtered through me, but I wasn’t able to smile when she seemed upset, so instead I got down to logistics.

“Which safe house is available?” I asked Ronan.

“The one on East Palatine isn’t in use,” he replied. “Take her there and let the office know to send some guys over.”

Beside us, Willow hauled Sage into a hug. “It’ll be okay,” I heard her murmur. “I’m here for you.”

I felt a pang, and for a second, I couldn’t help wishing I was the one Sage would turn to when she needed comfort. Nevertheless, I was glad she had Willow. She’d need support to get through whatever came next.

4

SAGE

I’d been backed into a corner, and I didn’t like it. I hadn’t had anyone to answer to for years. Not since the trial had ended and I’d been released from protective custody. My parents had been gone, and the only person I’d had left who genuinely cared for me was Willow. Since then, I’d worked mostly for myself—renting yoga studio space and teaching classes online—and nobody had been able to tell me what to do. Now a straightlaced detective and an overbearing alpha male were trying to change that, and it made me feel all kinds of unpleasant emotions I preferred not to experience.

I closed my eyes and leaned against the seat. Kade was driving me to the King’s Security headquarters, where I’d been told we’d get some supplies before continuing to the safe house. He’d make sure everything was set up and then leave me with a protection detail. Willow had offered to come with us, but I’d told her not to. I needed to work through the negative energy in my head before it became overwhelming. Beside me, Kade was blessedly silent. I searched within myself, trying to identify the feelings crawling around in my chest.

Anger. That one was easy.

Resentment, too. Such an ugly emotion.

Fear. It left a bitter taste in my mouth.

But I also felt violated. I hadn’t seen the men who’d hurt Jessica. I hadn’t even seen Jessica herself. But they’d been in my home—my safe space—and they’d violated it with their evil actions.

I squeezed my eyes more tightly shut and released a shuddering breath. I sensed Kade glance at me, but he didn’t say anything, and for that I was grateful. I drew in another deep breath and let it go. On the exhale, I channeled my energy into forgiveness.

I forgive you for forcing me into this position, I mentally recited, directing it toward him. I forgive you because I know it comes from a place of caring.

I tried to turn my mind to forgiving the people who’d been in my house, but I couldn’t. The terror and grief was too fresh.

“We’re here.” Kade’s voice was a masculine rumble. Some people might find his tone intimidating, but to me, there was something very warm about it.

I opened my eyes and blinked as they readjusted to the light. We were in the underground parking garage beneath the building that housed King’s Security. Knowing the routine, I waited while Kade got out of the car and did a quick check of the surrounding area, then I swung the door open and joined him.