“No.”
“Why?”
“You’ll hate me.”
He pulled away, and it took everything in me not to tug him closer. His brown eyes were stormy. “All of you or none of you, Julian. That’s how this works. You give me that, and I give it back. How can I know if we’re truly meant to be together if I can’t see what lurks in the dark?”
My hands dropped from his face. “I’m what lurks in the dark, Wynn.”
His brow dipped and he lightly shook his head. “You see yourself in a way I don’t. What you think might not be what you are.”
I released a humorless laugh. “Oh, my family would disagree with you on that.”
“Your Highness?”
I turned, and Minnie stood there, Detective Henderson beside her.
“Come in.” Wynn and I would have to talk later. He shook off the remnants of the uncomfortable conversation and joined me and the detective in the seating area.
“Sorry to disturb your evening, Your Highness.”
“It’s no bother. I appreciate you keeping me abreast of the situation. Is there cause for concern with this man who attacked Hannah?” Not that it mattered. As soon as he was out, he was mine.
“No. He’s quite rattled about whoever paid him. He’s been acting paranoid at the station. He will go before a judge in the morning, and while I know you have your own security, perhaps we should get some officers on you too.”
I chuckled. “I have an entire military battalion at my disposal, Detective. I assure you we’ll be fine.”
“Your Highness, while I don’t believe Corey is a danger to you or anyone in this residence, not knowing who is behind this leaves us blind. They might escalate.”
Oh, they could try.“I understand, but I’m well fortified here, as are Wynn and his friends.”
He looked at Wynn. “You’ll have to stay on the premises until we can determine the threat is gone.”
“Between this false murder charge and now some fanatic, the Lamdera Islands aren’t the relaxing and magical place the brochure promised.” He sat back and folded his arms over his chest.
“I do apologize,” the detective said, then regarded me. “I’ll let you know how court goes in the morning. I have Detective Ridgeway with Corey now, trying to get some information out of him. I’ll bring every detective and cop that’s here in there. I’m sure he’ll crack.”
I didn’t want Ridgeway near Corey. “Why Ridgeway? He’s not a Thrindell detective.”
“He offered, and the others were busy.” He shrugged. “Figured, why not?”
Well, if that didn’t raise every red flag on the island. “I see.”
“I won’t force you to accept our help, but please let me know if you change your mind.” Henderson stood and I followed suit.
“Will do, thank you.” We shook hands and he left, and Wynn and I were alone again.
“Julian.”
I moved nearer to him, sat, gently grabbed his face, and kissed him. When I pushed my tongue into his mouth he moaned and gripped my shirt, pulling me closer. I didn’t want to talk about my demons, Wynn leaving, or Henderson’s visit. I just wanted Wynn…I craved him. I needed him to become obsessed with me like I was with him. Why couldn’t he just give himself to me?
A throat clearing broke us apart. Edward stood there, a stern expression on his face.
“Your Highness.”
“Your timing is terrible, Edward.”
Wynn chuckled, and I looked over at him just because his smiles were like medicine to my toxic soul.
