“Yes.” He kissed her once more and set her down on the floor. “Now, go wash up, lunch is ready.” She nodded and ran off.
As he popped the bread into the toaster, Reece raked a glance over Aria’s rigid form. She stood at the window and stared out as though the answers to her deep-seated irritation laid there.
He neared her and stood at her back. “Babe?” He slid his arms around her waist and held her snug. She leaned against him and sighed. With a soft kiss to her neck, he whispered, “You need to eat somethin’, please.” Her appetite had been severely lacking over the last week—another reason for concern.
She turned in his arms and stepped back. “Thank you for your patience, your understanding, Reece. But I think maybe you should go back home. I haven’t been the best of hosts to you, or Sam. And I shouldn’t get you involved in something that isn’t your fight...”
Reece rocked back on his heels. His head spun while shock sucked the air out of his lungs. A roiling mass of disbelief infiltrated his body. When would this woman let up and accept he was here to stay. She stopped talking and looked up.
“Where the hell is this coming from?” He gave her a tight-lipped scowl.
Her head jerked back as though he’d smacked her. “Reece?”
“Dammit, Aria. Just because one asshole ruined your life doesn’t mean all men should suffer. The man ain’t worth a damn thought, let alone this misery you’ve buried yourself inside. Hell, you think because your life’s a certain way, dictated and predicted by your rules, it can’t be changed. Feel when you want to, hide when you want to. It doesn’t work that way. Life experiences need you to feel, to accept, and to forget, dammit. It makes you stronger.” He glared at her, not caring in the least if he hurt her. She had to understand people loved her—he loved her—cared for her. “You think you don’t need anyone, and you’re this tough cookie who’ll get by on her own—the queen of a lonely kingdom. Maybe you’re an exception to the rule. The whole human race be damned if they need anyone, anything.” He shoved a hand through his hair, letting her feel the weight of his anger. Her eyes widened. With sorrow, fear? He wasn’t sure. “Goddammit, Aria, everyone needs someone. It’s what makes us human. I need someone—I need you. Stop shutting people out. Especially the ones that do care for you. Jay was an ass, and yes, he hurt you, but I’m not Jay. I won’t hurt you. Stop pushing me away.” He turned to walk away.
“Reece?” She caught the sleeve on his arm. “I-I didn’t mean...” The tremble of her bottom lip twisted his gut. Her eyes, deep gray pools of sadness, pleaded with him.
He ignored his tightening chest. The ache to take her in his arms and soothe away his rough words, threatened. Maybe he was a fucking asshole, but someone had to break through the wall she hid behind. “Kingdoms put up barriers to keep out the bad folk, Aria, not the good ones. You’ve built a wall strong enough to shut everyone out. Good and bad alike.”
“Reece...” she whispered, and he shook his head.
“If you want me to go back home, then come with me.”
Her eyes flared in surprise. “Why?”
“Because you need the damn distraction,” he growled. “I’ll break through that wall, eventually, Ria. Trust me. I will reign as the king of your heart soon.” Reece turned and headed for the door.
He was done talking. Granted, he’d never been this angry before; he hoped Aria would stew in the aftermath of his irritation, giving her something to ponder. His words hurt her, and her pain made him cringe.
Outside, he paced the porch until he was sure he’d drill a hole through the wood. The frigid air seemed to settle his anger and slowly replaced it with his usual calm. His angry outburst surprised him. No one got to him like this woman. He loved her fiercely.
A blast of cold reminded him he’d come outside without a jacket. The sudden shiver sent him inside. By the time he sat down at the table for lunch, he was no longer a raging mess. He smiled at Prisha then shifted his gaze to Aria. She looked out the window.
****
ARIA GLANCED DOWN ATthe remnants of the lunch she’d finally managed to eat then glanced out the kitchen window. The steady fall of snow appeared peaceful. She wished for some of its distinct calm. Sustenance the least of her worries, her appetite dwindled to a minimal after the news of Jay’s release. Today the first day her tummy met a full meal.
“I’m sorry.” Reece’s soft touch on her cheek made her smile.
“I needed that,” she whispered.
He looked briefly surprised. While Aria hadn’t seen Reece display anger before, his harsh words made sense. Too long, she’d stuck to the premise that it was just her and Prisha against the world. Now, here sat a man willing to fall at her feet at the slightest nod.
“I guess sometimes we all deserve a little kick in the right direction. If anything, I’m sorry. You’ve been so good to Prisha and me, and how do I repay that kindness? By pushing you away.”
“Hey.” Reece smiled. “I had no right—”
“Shh.” Aria put a finger to his lips. “You were helping me.”
“Jay won’t find you, babe.”
She adored his patience and constant coaxing for her to accept the truth about Jay. “I know.”
Samantha had gone back home the day before. During her short stay, she’d also worked hard consoling Aria. Despite Reece’s much-needed outburst, Aria was grateful. Both Sam and Reece’s reassurance reminded her she had people who cared about her.
“No one knows where he is, but Sam’s dad is damn sure Jay can’t leave South Africa.”
“Reece, you don’t have to persuade me anymore,” she said. “I’ve accepted the inevitable.”
