“Because I refused them just as I refused your protection.” Cora marched out of the kitchen and headed back to her office.
“Walking away from me is not going to fix this,”Liamyelled after her.
Cora stopped and turned back to face him. “I don’t want to leave my house,” Cora said evenly.
“I knowthat, and it wouldn’t be permanent. Just the length of time we are on a mission. Hound said you could use his computer for work, if needed. Hannah, I’m sure could use the company.”
“That’s not fair to use Hannah against me.”
Liampinched the bridge of his nose fighting a growing headache. He really liked this woman, but she could be the most stubborn at times.Liamtook a deep breath and countedto ten. “I’m not using Hannah against you. All I’m saying is she is going to be as alone as you are while we’re gone. Midas’s last mission she had you to keep her distracted. Now she is going to be alone probably worried about Midas’s safety and yours.” So maybe he was using Hannah against her but if it got the result he wanted so be it. She would be much safer at Hound’s house anyway.
Coralooked away and tapped her foot. “It’s just until you get back?”
Liamkept his face neutral, so she didn’t see the look of triumph on his face. “Only until I get back, then you can come right back here.”
“I don’t like this, Liam.”
“I know you don’t.” He said as he pulled her into his arms and hugged her. “I know how much this house means to you.” Cora’s grandmother gave it to her when shepassed. Her grandparents had built it from the ground up. Since Cora’s parents had been deployed a lot, she spent a majority of her youth at her grandparent’s house. When they had gotten sick, Cora had moved in with them to care for them. This house meant everything to her. It was her connection to them. He didn’t fault her for wanting to stay, but her safety was a risk here.
“When do you leave?”Cora’s words were muffled from being buried in his chest. She didn’t want him to know she was crying though he could feel the tremors in her body.
“Four days.”
“Alright, tell Aaron I’ll stay there. Temporarily.” She said pulling away from him and giving him a pointed look.
“Thank you, Amazon.”Liamtilted his head, so he could lay his head on top of hers. Why did he have to go on a missionnow? She was just starting to warm back up to him.
