“I suppose it’s obvious.”
“You’re none too subtle, Marine. But I approve.”
I rubbed the back of my neck. “How’s Keira really handling everything? The stress of all this?”
Brynn leaned against the counter, considering. “She’s doing the best she can. Which is a hell of a lot. I’m lucky to call her a friend, and I’d be happy to have her guarding my six. Sometimes we’re forged through fire, you know?”
And sometimes the fire destroys everything we hold dear,I thought ruefully. But I just nodded.
“It’s also convenient that you swore off violence,” Brynn added, her tone light but her eyes serious.
“You know about that?”
“Sure. Keira told me.”
“Why’s that convenient?”
“Because you won’t be able to defend yourself too well if you hurt her again and I have to whoop your ass.”
I chuckled. “Duly noted.”
Before I could respond further, Keira emerged from her bedroom. If anything, she looked more tired than before. If she’d taken a nap, it hadn’t been restful.
Keira fixed me with a glare. “You’re still here. I told you to leave.”
I glanced guiltily at Brynn, who raised her eyebrows.
“You did,” I agreed.
“But you stayed.”
“Yep. In case you changed your mind and were willing to talk more.”
“Also, he emptied the dishwasher,” Brynn chimed in. “Just saying.”
I thanked her silently.
Keira nodded at Brynn, the two of them exchanging some silent message with their eyes.
Then Keira turned to me. “I had time to think about what you said earlier, and I have some things I want to discuss.”
“Okay. That’s good. I?—”
“Let’s go outside.” Keira’s expression was impossible to read. A contrast to how well I used to know her, when her features gave away so much of her heart. She was closed off now, and I really hoped I wasn’t to blame.
Fuck, who was I kidding? I was probably to blame.
While Brynn stayed in the kitchen, Keira and I went through the side door and out into the woodsy area behind her house. I noticed the shiny new lock and repairs to the doorframe, fresh wood replacing what had been ruined during the break-in. The sight of it made my jaw tighten.
There was still snow in the shade between the trees, stubborn patches clinging to the shadows. The beginnings of leaves dotted the aspen branches, that fresh spring green that looked almost unreal.
Keira lost her balance, stumbling on a patch of uneven ground. I swooped in to steady her, my arms going carefully around her, one hand at her waist, the other supporting her good arm.
She fit against me like that night two years ago on the dance floor, like no time had passed at all. I could feel her breath, the warmth of her body, and for a moment I forgot everything else. Forgot why I’d left, forgot the distance I was supposed to maintain. All I knew was that she was here, solid and real in my arms, and I never wanted to let go.
But I had to.
Reluctantly, I loosened my grip, making sure she was steady before stepping back. “You okay?” I asked. “Are you in pain?”
