Another fabrication in my background. “Not long enough to put down roots. I rarely stay anywhere very long.”
“Why not?”
I tensed and Dungar immediately loosened his hold, giving me space. The gesture made something twist in my chest.
“I never found the right place to settle, I guess.” I tried to keep my tone light. “But Lonesome Creek seems nice. I could see myself staying for a little while, at least.”
“Only a little while?”
I should’ve left it there, maintained the professional distance that had kept me alive this long. But something about the darkness, about the gentle way he held me, made the truth slip out. “I’m not sure any longer.”
“You have plenty of time to decide something like that.” Dungar stayed quiet for a long while. When he spoke, his voice came out soft but certain. “Sometimes the right place finds you when you least expect it.”
I didn’t know how to respond to the hope he offered that I didn’t dare accept. So I said nothing, letting the silence settle around us like the wool blanket.
Dungar seemed to understand, not pushing for more than I could give. He adjusted the blanket over my shoulder where it had slipped down.
In the darkness of the cell, with only the faintmoonlight filtering through the small window, I felt the careful walls I’d built around myself begin to crack. Not crumbling, but small fissures were appearing, letting out something I hadn’t felt in too long.
I didn’t want to trust in anything, but I felt as if I was starting to trust Lonesome Creek.
And Dungar.
That thought startled me enough to make my heart race.
“We should try to sleep,” I said.
“Yes.”
Neither of us moved.
Eventually, exhaustion began to overtake me, the warmth of Dungar’s body and the steady rhythm of his breathing lulling me toward sleep.
For the first time in two years, I wasn’t planning my escape route. For the first time in too long, I felt safe enough to just…be.
And that was the most dangerous feeling of all.
Chapter 5
Dungar
Iheld my breath as Riley’s body softened against mine, her breathing growing deeper as she sunk into sleep. She felt both fragile and perfect in my arms, like I was holding someone precious I’d never known I was missing. Moonlight seeped through the jail’s window, casting silver patterns across her face, highlighting the gentle curve of her cheek and the fan of her eyelashes against her skin.
My mating mark caught the light, a reminder of what the fates had decided.
The way my body responded to her nearness left me stunned. I’d never felt this overwhelming need to protect someone, to shelter them from every harsh element the world might throw their way.
Riley Smith was mine to protect, to cherish, to…love, eventually. The thought didn’t terrify me one bit. Instead, it made me feel like everything in my life was finally flowing in the direction it was meant to go.
I adjusted my arm carefully, not wanting to wake her as I pulled the scratchy wool blanket higher over her shoulder. Her skin smelled like the saloon’s handmade rosemary soap. She must’ve freshened up there before coming to meet me. The scent mingled with something uniquely her—sunshine and warm honey and a hint of flowers.
“No,” Riley said, her body tensing against mine. “Please, don’t?—”
Something dark had taken hold of her in her dreams. She clutched the blanket, her breathing growing rapid and shallow. Whimpers escaped her throat as she twisted in my arms.
“Riley,” I whispered, keeping my voice low and gentle. “Riley, you’re safe.”
She didn’t wake, locked in whatever nightmare was holding her captive. Her body trembled, and tears leaked from beneath her closed eyelids. The sight tore through me. My mate was suffering, and I couldn’t fight whatever haunted her dreams.
