We both seem to come back to reality at the same time. I blink a few times while he takes a deep breath.
When his gaze settles back on me, there is more determination there. I can’t decide if I like it or not.
Either he’s determined to kiss the daylights out of me or keep me at arm’s length away. My brain and heart are at war as to which option is better.
“They caught him.”
I’m so fixated on his eyes that his words don’t immediately process. “What?”
“Leah’s boyfriend,” he clarifies. “They caught him.”
“Oh.” Relief washes over me. “I’m so glad. How long is he going to be held?”
I’m glad the police were able to arrest him, but I understand the realities of how the justice system works. As much as we would all love for the man to be held in jail indefinitely, that just isn’t how things work.
Kane shakes his head. “I don’t know. Not long enough, I’m sure.” He shakes his head, seemingly disgusted with the fact.“He’ll probably be let out until his trial is held… whenever the hell that will be.”
I know he’s probably right, but I don’t fucking want to hear it. I can’t stand the thought of anything else happening to Leah or her looking over her shoulder and expecting the worst.
“We aren’t just going to desert her. I promise,” he says.
“I…” The rest of the phantom sentence trails off because I really don’t know what I want to say.
“We’re getting her a security system for her house, and we will be here for her whenever she needs us.”
He says it so seriously. I know they will follow through. Not that I would have doubted them.
They’ve all been here for someone who’s practically a stranger, just because it was the right thing to do.
“Where are you getting the money from to pay for that?” I ask, already knowing the answer.
“Everyone from the club pitched in,” he says with a shrug, like it isn’t a big deal. When it’s actually a huge deal.
“Thank you,” I say quietly, emotion clogging my throat. Then I’m closing the space between us, wrapping my arms around him.
He stands there like a statue for several beats before sliding his arms around me. His hands span almost the entirety of my back. The side of my head rests against his chest as I squeeze him a little tighter.
“Thank you,” I mumble again.
“You don’t…”
“Just let me say it, Kane.” I don’t have the courage to tilt my head back and look up at him, so I keep my eyes focused on the ground. “I can’t thank you enough for what you all have done for her.”
I feel his breath ghosting over my hair. “You’re welcome.”
The words are quiet and slightly pained. I don’t think Kane Bradley is very good at receiving compliments.
I do move my head to look at him now. “You’re a good person, Kane.” His jaw tenses with discomfort. “You are,” I reiterate to emphasize my point.
“So are you,” he says, surprising me. His knuckles graze down my cheek. We are both silent. His hand hasn’t moved, fingers gently tracing over my jaw. “I should go.”
His words seem to be said more to himself than to me.
Still, neither of us attempts to extract ourselves from each other’s hold. I am caught up in him, just like I was years ago.
“In another life,” he whispers. His lips ghost against my temple, and then he steps away.
My hands fall to my sides, already missing his body pressed against mine. He gives me a look that I’m sure matches my own—longing and resignation.
