Ten minutes passed. I’d put down the pan but hadn’t moved far from it. I was pacing my tiny kitchen, running through scenarios in my head, when there was another knock at my door, softer this time.
“It’s me.”
Caelan’s voice. My heart did a complicated acrobatic routine as I opened the door.
He was standing in my hallway, wearing a black t-shirt and black jeans that made him look like he’d stepped out of an action movie. His hair was slightly mussed, like someone had grabbed it. His jaw was tight…And his knuckles were red.
I liked that look on him. I liked it a lot, more than I should probably admit to anyone, including myself.
“Hi,” he said. His expression was neutral, but his eyes were scanning my face, checking for damage, cataloging every detail like he needed to make sure I was intact.
“Hi,” I managed.
“Are you hurt?” The question came out clipped. His hands came up like he wanted to touch me, check for himself, but he held back.
I didn’t even pretend I didn’t know what he was talking about. “I’m fine. He didn’t get in.”
Danger crossed his face. “He won’t get in. Ever. He won’t come near this building again. He won’t come nearyouagain.” His voice was low, certain, with an edge that made my stomach flip. “I made sure of it.”
“What did you do?”
“Nothing permanent.” A pause. “Unfortunately.”
“Caelan.”
“He’s alive and conscious. He has all his limbs.” Another pause, and his jaw tightened. “For now.”
Sue me, but I felt warmth spreading through my chest at his words.
“How did you know?” I asked. “That he was here?”
“I was just passing by.” The lie was so transparent it was almost insulting. “Wanted to see how you were.”
“Just passing by. At the exact moment someone was trying to break into my apartment.”
“Strange timing.” He didn’t even try to sound convincing. His eyes were still moving over me, checking. “I also said hi to Dom downstairs. We’re best friends.”
I chuckled at that. “Your knuckles are red.”
He glanced down at his hands like he was surprised to find them attached to his body. “I punched a wall. Unrelated.”
“Sure.”
“A very sturdy wall. Multiple times.”
“Uh-huh.”
“I have anger issues.”
“Do you now.” I couldn’t hide my smile.
“Terrible ones. It’s very concerning. I should probably see someone about it.”
Well. If he ever did then he definitely needed to share the contact with me.
We stared at each other. “He had a key,” I said quietly. “I forgot he knew where I hid them. I should have changed the hiding spot. I’m so dumb-”
“Stop.” He stepped closer, and his hand came up to cup my jaw, tilting my face up to meet his eyes. “This is not your fault. The only person responsible for his actions is him. And he will never touch you again. Do you understand me?”
