“Maybe you should keep your distance.”
“There’s something I haven’t told you.”
Tak’s expression hardened, and it made me so nervous that I stood up and went to chop a cucumber.
“When you found me on the side of the road that day, someone had stolen my clothes.”
“I know. You mentioned it,” he said.
“Yes, but I didn’t mention that someone returned them to my doorstep.”
Tak appeared at my side and took the knife from my hand. “Theywhat?”
“Remember when we left the apartment so I could take you to the motel? The clothes at my doorstep were them. I was in a hurry and had too much on my mind, so I just put them inside and didn’t think about it again.”
Tak leaned against the counter. “I don’t know your customs here or how dry-cleaning works. I should have asked.”
“Maybe the person knew me and felt guilty about playing a joke. Do you think I’m paranoid?”
“No, I don’t.” He reached behind his head and braided his hair as if he were going into battle. “Someone knows you’re alone. They’re trying to intimidate you. They wouldn’t have risked sneaking into your building if your brother and friend were here.”
“I know. The bowling ball, the note—all signs point to Dutch, but the clothes don’t seem like something he’d do.”
“Never underestimate how low a man will stoop to get what he wants.”
I turned away and closed the blinds. “And what is it thatyouwant?”
“Stuffed peppers. Mind if I have some water?”
“Help yourself.”
I usually offered visitors beer or wine, so I had to remind myself that Tak didn’t indulge in those vices. I never thought I’d find such a trait so admirable. None of his actions or words were swayed by the influence of a mood-altering substance. His thoughts were pure, and his courage and desires were all his own.
I drifted into the living room and sat on the grey sofa, which faced the wall.
Tak sat down to my left and offered me the bottle. “There was only one.”
“No, thanks. I’m not thirsty. Besides, I prefer tea.”
He stretched his arm behind me and admired the painting. “You haven’t asked, but my guess is you’re wondering how your wolf and I got along. Just to allay your concerns—she’s not a submissive animal, but she respects the unspoken rules. We came to an understanding.”
I grimaced. “But she bit you.”
He chuckled and set the water bottle in the crevice beside him. “Your wolf’s a fierce protector. A little nip on the arm, but that’s to be expected.”
Tak’s braid had unraveled at the end since he didn’t have anything tying it. Part of me wanted to weave my fingers through the twisted locks of hair and let it free, but I ignored the foolish impulse.
He smiled with his eyes and stroked his finger along my cheek and down to my Cupid’s bow. “You have pretty lips. You must have gotten those from your mother, but what worries me is that line between your eyebrows.”
“What line?” I asked, pretending I didn’t know.
He pressed his finger against my forehead. “That one. It makes me intimidated to meet your father.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Why would you say something like that?”
“Because if you haven’t already noticed, Duckie, I’m falling for you. And I think you might feel something for me too. I see it in your eyes, but maybe I need to hear it from those beautiful lips before I make clear my intent to court you.”
My heart flutter was turning into a coronary. “Court me? You can’t court me. You and my brother are enemies.”
