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“I didn’t All I did was put a naanically It was a clarification”

“According to you”

“According to everyone with eyes, sweet girl I proo slow I believe I’ve honored that But I can’t have you hanging in the wind”

“What are you talking about?”

“Protection”

“Nothing’s going to happen toa hand on his chest

“I screwed up last ti with you I need this, Es I also need to define your role in o to court for Jocelyn Is it so bad to be linked with me?”

“No, of course not I…” She bit her bottoe step”

“Sprite, you are We’re already doing it Na it shouldn’t make a difference Make no mistake, title or no title, you’re mine You have been froroup that day looking lost and frightened I didn’t realize it at the ti to lose this thing between us over fear We’ve both been given a second chance at things Let’s not squander it” He smoothed down her hair “Listen, don’t make any decisions now Let it all sink in and let’s enjoy our dinner together We’ll talk all this over tonight at home, okay?”

I can do that She nodded “I like that plan”

“Good” He placed a sweet kiss on her forehead and she h entle?

He lifted her off the bike and she marveled at how small and protected he alwayslike the sky could come down around her at any second, it was a coround, and he tucked her arentleht of feel null and void

They walked toward the dark brick building trihts When they stepped inside, it was like going through a ti with exposed brick thaton the walls and dark wood on the floor stand out A woreeted theht smile

“Welcome to The Precinct I’”

“Hi, Sarah, we have a reservation for Kolton at 8:30,” Snake said