I feel it.
Even without looking.
He blinks, thrown for a second, then recovers quickly. “You don’t know what you’re walking into here.”
“I know exactly what I’m walking into.”
“And what’s that?”
I take a step closer.
Not enough to spook him.
Just enough to make it clear.
“This.”
His smile falters.
Just slightly.
Good.
“You’ve been watching her,” I say.
He stiffens.
“And you think that gives you some kind of claim.”
“That’s not?—”
“You’ve been following her.”
His jaw tightens. “I’ve been protecting her.”
Behind me, Maddie makes a sound.
Sharp.
Disbelieving.
“You call sending me pictures from outside my window protection?” she snaps.
His gaze flicks to her, softening in a way that makes something ugly twist in my gut. “You were alone. I needed to make sure you were safe.”
“I was safe until you showed up.”
“That’s not true,” he insists, stepping forward again.
I don’t let him.
My hand shifts from his wrist to his chest, stopping him cold.
“Stay.”
The word lands heavy.
He doesn’t move.
