But I'm keeping an eye on her.Making sure she's safe.Making sure whatever scared her today doesn't get close enough to hurt her.
And when she's ready—if she's ever ready—I'll be here.
Waiting.
Because Enya's worth waiting for.
And I'm done running from things that matter.
8
ENYA
Ifeel him the second I step behind the bar.
I don't have to look, don't have to turn my head.I just know.The way you know when someone's watching you in a crowded room—that prickling awareness that crawls up your spine and settles at the base of your skull.
Tank.
He's here.
My hands shake slightly as I reach for a pint glass.I grip it tighter, willing them to steady.I can't let anyone see, can't let him see.
Last night was a mistake.
I repeat it to myself like a mantra, trying to make it stick, but my body remembers too much—the way his hands felt on my skin, the reverence in his voice when he said my name, the weight of him pressing me into the mattress.
Stop.
I pour the pint with mechanical precision, set it down for the customer, and force a smile."Anything else, love?"
"No, that's grand.Thanks."
I move down the bar, wiping it down even though it doesn't need it.I just need something to do with my hands, need something to focus on besides the burning awareness of Tank sitting at the far end.
I can feel his eyes on me.Heavy.Constant.Not aggressive, just...there.
Watching.
My chest tightens, heart beating too fast.Every time he shifts in his seat, my body reacts—stomach dropping, breath catching, fingers gripping the towel harder.
This is ridiculous.I'm being ridiculous.
He's just sitting there, having a drink.Not demanding anything, not pushing, not even trying to talk to me.
But his presence alone is enough to make my carefully constructed walls start crumbling.
Because I don't want him here.I can't want him here.
Warren needs me focused.Needs me steady.And Tank...God, Tank is the opposite of steady.He's chaos wrapped in leather and careful hands, and I can't afford chaos right now.
I can't afford to feel what I felt last night.
I can't afford to want what I want.
"Enya?"Ciara's voice cuts through my spiraling thoughts."You alright?"
I blink."Yeah.Grand.Why?"
