He had to know this was the best option. She was doing exactly what Fallon and Shea wanted. They needed this alliance. The only one who could make it happen was Eva.
She knew he understood the call of duty. More so than most. He’d practically devoted his entire life to it.
Caden didn’t look away, his gaze demanding and direct.
Fine. If that’s what he wanted.
Eva stepped forward, not giving herself time to hesitate. She pulled his face down to hers, her lips meeting his in a kiss that stole her breath and made her chest ache.
The anger that had forced her to meet his challenge deserted her, leaving Eva feeling everything.
What should have been no more than a peck, over and done with in an instant, turned into so much more.
Their lips clung to each other, his hands coming up to pull her closer, his fingers digging into her braid as he deepened the kiss. His intensity was nearly scorching, his hands just this side of bruising as he imprinted himself on her, ensuring she’d never forget this man.
The kiss was a thunderstorm that lingered, made up of regret and wishful thinking, its fury threatening to wipe away everything in its path.
It was bittersweet, filled with the taste of regret and pleasure. All thunderstorms passed; they never lasted.
He felt the change in her and drew back, their breath mingling as they stared at each other from inches apart. He brushed a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his expression searching, almost tender as he examined her.
“Thank you for telling me,” she whispered, her lips meeting his briefly before she dropped back to flat-footed.
“Always.” He brushed her hair away from her face, his gaze searching. There was a need in his face. Almost like he was begging her to ask the question.
She shook her head, before letting her forehead drop to his chest. His arms closed around her, wrapping her in a tight embrace.
Because of Jason, and from things Caden had told her, she knew exactly how hard he’d worked for his position at Fallon’s side.
How could she ask him to leave that?
The answer was she couldn’t. He had to decide for himself. She already knew which choice he would make, and it wasn’t her. The worst thing was, she couldn’t even blame him. Not really.
Fallon was his purpose, his home. Caden had found a place at his side. Eva needed to find her own place now.
Eva let herself linger in his embrace. Just one more minute. One minute passed and then another. She breathed in his smell, wrapping it around her, memorizing it.
She stepped back, not quite able to meet his eyes. “Come on, Fox. We need to get going. Hardwick wanted to speak with me about some things before we leave tomorrow morning.”
Caden was silent as the fox leapt down, rubbing his side against Caden’s leg before padding over to Eva.
“I’ll see you the next time I’m back,” Eva said, finally meeting Caden’s eyes. She concealed her flinch at the stoic expression that greeted her, his gaze expressionless.
She didn’t let herself hold out hope they’d be together again like they just were. It might be months before she returned. Years possibly. He would no doubt move on, if not by the next visit, then eventually.
She knew herself well enough to know she wouldn’t. Somehow, he’d managed to reach past the wall she’d kept between herself and everyone else. He’d made a place for himself there, and not even ripping him out by the roots would heal the hole his absence would leave.
He didn’t say anything, only stared at her, that odd look in his eyes.
She flashed another stiff smile, and patted her leg to signal the fox. She walked toward the door, feeling like she was leaving an important piece of her behind.
So faint, she almost didn’t hear over the wind, she heard him say, “I grow weary of you walking away from me.”
Funny thing, she felt the same way.
*
"Have everything?" Hardwickasked gruffly.
