“We’re going to need five.” My mother clears her throat as she sets the cake in the center of the dining room table. “Silas is meeting us for dessert.”
“What?” My chest tightens as my heart hammers with panic.
“I invited him here for dessert. I figured it would be a good time for him to get to know you better and work out a plan.”
“Mom!”
My sister’s eyes widen as she slices off a piece of cake prematurely, licking her fingers with a grin as though she’s ready for the drama.
“What, Ellie?” my mother presses. “Adam is bad news. I’m not going to let my daughter move out into the woods without protection. Not until I know he’s moved on.”
I pinch my lips together and suck in a deep breath. “And what’s the criteria for that, Mom?”
“He’s supposed to be shipping out with the Marines come fall. When he leaves, I’ll know you’re safe.”
“Right,” I groan as a heavy knock echoes in from the front room. “I’m not doing this. You people are insane. I’m a grown woman, and I’m going to go apologize to Mr. Wilder and ask himto leave.” I don’t wait for anyone’s approval. I stalk toward the front door without regard for the hell I’m about to unleash.
I mean, why should I feel guilty for standing up for myself?I haven’t seen this man in nearly a year, and the last thing we said to each other was a definitive goodbye. We agreed it was best if we kept our distance. This is a breach of that agreement to the fullest extent.
With a burst of impatience, I throw open the door, a gust of cool air rushing in as I stare up at the big, hostile-looking man in front of me.
Why do I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut? Why do I want to jump up into his arms? Why do I want his hands all over me?
“I’m sorry you came all the way out here,” I swallow hard, “but there’s been a change in plans.”
His dark eyes are hard and irritable, his cap is set low, his shoulders are broad and firm, and his jaw is square like stone.
“Jesus Christ,” he exhales harshly as his gaze draws over me with a measured, assessing sweep, like he’s reacquainting himself with my body, “it’s been too long.”
How do I respond to this?
“A year,” I manage, swallowing hard, “and I appreciate your willingness to take this job my mother thinks is necessary, but I won’t be requiring your services.”
He drags his darkened gaze down over my frame and up again. “I remember our agreement, Ellie. I wouldn’t be here unless I felt it was necessary.”
He remembers our agreement? Does that mean he still thinks about the night he said all those filthy things to me? Is there a chance he fantasizes about me too?
God, I need to get a grip!
“What am I missing here?” I cross my arms over my chest and hitch my hip forward. “Adam is annoying, but he’s not athreat to my life. I don’t need a bodyguard. I mean, Adam is your son. You raised him. You must know he’s not going to hurt anyone.”
The giant tilts his head to the side and groans low before crossing his massive, inked arms over his chest. “Adam has lost his way. I could see him unraveling when you two were together. Losing you only made it worse.”
“Okay… but the worst he’s done is follow me around with some poems.” I shrug. “I can manage that without a bodyguard.”
Silas lowers his head as though he’s ashamed. “I found a notebook he was writing in. He’s been following you everywhere. He’s taking notes. He’s making plans. When I confronted him, he made all these comments about how you belonged to him. I think he’s going to try and kidnap you.”
My chest tightens as I stare up at Silas with a narrowed gaze. “What? No, that’s not true. I’m sure he was just talking. Adam has a very wild imagination. Remember those comic books he wrote with the people that survived the plane crash on that island? It was so detailed. I’m sure he’s just fixating.”
Silas tilts his head a fraction, then pauses before responding. “Angel, if I didn’t think this was a problem, I wouldn’t be here. This is as hard for me as it is for you.”
“Then why are you calling me angel?”
He looks away slowly before returning his gaze to mine. “I’ve always called you angel, but if you’d rather I don’t, I won’t.”
I’d rather he pick me up, carry me out of the house, and fuck me like an animal in the bed of his truck, but I’m losing focus here.
“I don’t know what I’m saying right now. I’m overwhelmed.” I suck in a breath and let it go quickly. “Won’t Adam only get angrier if you’re following me?”
