“I know.”
“But can I say something?”
“Of course.”
“From what you’re telling me... I think you already know what you want.”
I stare at the fire crackling in the hearth, at this cabin that’s starting to feel like home, at the kitten sleeping peacefully in my lap. “I...”
“You don’t have to answer that right now,” Ellie says gently. “Just... think about it. And know that whatever you decide, I support you. Even if you decide it’s not right. But especially if you decide it is,” she chuckles.
My eyes are stinging. When did I start crying? “I miss you, Ellie. You don’t even know how much your friendship got me through the last year of my hiding.”
“Oh honey, I miss you too. So much. Stay safe out there. Let those orcs protect you.”
“I will.”
“Oh shoot, I’ve got to get off now. It’s time for brunch and I’ve got a casserole to get out of the oven. Keep me updated,” she says. “I want to hear everything.”
“Every development?”
She laughs. “Especially the developments.”
“You’re terrible.”
“I’m invested. There’s a difference.”
I smile through my tears. “Love you, Ellie.”
“Love you too. Stay safe. And Anna?”
“Yeah?”
“Listen to your heart. It usually knows.”
Chapter Sixteen
Keric
Igrip the steering wheel harder than necessary as I drive toward the security office.
My mind isn’t on the road. It’s back at the cabin, replaying the moment I almost kissed Anna. The way she looked up at me with those dark eyes behind her glasses. The catch in her breath. The scent of her arousal that nearly broke every shred of my control.
I had to get out of there.
The teal sweater. The curve of her lips. The way she’d leaned into my touch when I cupped her face. If I’d stayed another minute, I would have tasted those lips and if I’d done that, I wouldn’t have been able to stop.
She’s not ready. She hasn’t decided if she wants a permanent relationship with me. And I refuse to trap her into something real because I can’t control my own desperate need.
The utility vehicle bumps along the gravel path and I force myself to focus. This is just a routine check-in with Kelt. Patrolupdates, perimeter reports. Nothing urgent. I probably could be doing this over the phone, but it’s a good chance to clear my head before I return to the exquisite torture of living with my unclaimed Bride.
Anna said she was going to call Ellie. Good. She needs her friend, needs connection beyond just me. I picture her curled on the couch with Dinah in her lap, laughing at something Ellie says, her whole face lighting up the way it does when she’s happy.
The image makes my chest ache.
I want to be the one who makes her laugh like that. The reason she lights up. I want everything with my female, and the waiting is slowly driving me insane.
The security office comes into view and I park my vehicle outside. Deep breath. Focus on the meeting, then I can return to her.
