“I’m not asking,” I reply and step closer. “This is where you’re the safest.”
She shakes her head and starts to pace.
“No, I don’t want to be in the way. I don’t want to make your family uneasy, and—”
“I told Willow that she’s not welcome to come here while you’re living here.”
That makes her stop cold, and she shakes her head. “No, Gideon. I’m not going to be the reason there’s a rift in your family. I won’t be a burden, or an imposition. I don’t want to be anywhere that I’m not welcome. Damn it.”
Her lower lip quivers, and it’s almost my undoing. Who is this woman? The Blackbird I knew never cried in front of me, not until that horrible night. She was almost obstinate, and strong willed.
This little rebel before me is about to have a panic attack.
“Why can’t I ever tell Chelsea no?” she mutters, wringing her hands together. “Why do I let her get me into trouble like this?”
“You’re not in trouble.”
“I ruined your vacation, and then Ryker’s retirement—”
I’m going to kill Willow.
“I ruin everything.”
“Nothing is ruined, Lena.”
The tears are falling now, and I’m not sure if she even hears what I’m saying, so I do the only thing I can think of.
I move right into her and wrap my arms around her, hugging her to me.
She stiffens and tries to hold herself away, but after two short seconds, she gives in and leans into me, her cheek pressed against my chest, and her arms loop around my waist.
“Listen very carefully to me. Do you hear me?”
My lips rest next to her ear, and I’m rubbing my hands up and down her slender back, rocking her back and forth, doing my best to soothe her.
Lena sniffles and nods. “Yeah.”
“I want you here. You’re staying because that’s whatIwant.” I swallow hard because she smells so good, and I want to kiss her head, but I have to keep it together. “I’m not going to ask for you to be reassigned because I’m what’s best for you right now. I’ve got you here with me for safe keeping. Thisisyour safe space. Nothing and no one will hurt you.”
“I might hurt them.” It’s the tiniest whisper, and it breaks my heart.
“No, you won’t.”
“I already am. Willow—”
“Is fine. Apparently she has some misdirected anger, but she’s going to be just fine. You’re important, too, you know.”
That has her pulling back and frowning up at me as she blinks through her tears.
“So you’re going to unpack that bag, and take a deep breath, and then we’re going to have some breakfast.”
She licks her lips and wipes the tears off her face. She’s not crying anymore, which is a huge relief.
I can’t handle it when any woman cries, but Lena? Hell no.
“Do you like it here so far?” I ask her as I tuck her hair behind her ear. I can’t stop touching her.
“It might be the best place I’ve ever been.” She swallows hard. “Your mountains are just so amazing.”
