That.
The reason I had stepped closer in the first place and why my chest still felt tight in a way that had nothing to do with the kiss and everything to do with what came next.
I drew in a breath, forcing myself to hold his gaze.
“Keegan…”
My voice softened, not from uncertainty, but from the weight of what I was about to ask.
“Would you be willing,” I continued, my heart pressing against my ribs now, steady and insistent, “to keep Celeste safe?”
The words settled between us, but Keegan didn’t answer right away.
He didn’t interrupt.
He didn’t look away.
He just reflected.
And that made the silence harder.
Chapter Fourteen
“Maeve, I know your daughter needs to be kept safe, and we can send a team to her, but I need to be here. The Priestess isn’t going to get kinder, and her tactics are going to get worse. Caleb would do a fantastic job protecting Celeste.”
My eyes met his. “You think you need to stay here to protect me.”
He let out a deep breath and nodded. “I wouldn't be able to live with myself if something happened to you.”
I shook my head. “That's how I feel about Celeste. Only a million times more. My heart literally aches at the thought of her being brought into this. I won't be able to focus if I'm worried about her. If you're there, I won't worry quite as much, and I won’t make a mistake.”
He didn't say anything right away. He just rested his hands on my shoulders and studied me quietly. A few midlife witches walked out of the Academy and down the steps.
“I know how I am, Keegan. You being with her would keep me safer than you can imagine because I won't let my mind slip up thinking about her safety. I’m getting the hang of my magic, but it still takes focus. It’s not second-nature.”
“When?”
I let out a slow breath, not wanting the relief to trickle through me just yet. After all, he hadn't committed.
“Tonight.”
“What if we brought Celeste back here?” he asked.
I shook my head. “I don't feel right about that. I think it would be too easy for the Priestess or someone close to her to take Celeste. There are more obstacles outside of Stonewick.”
I could see the flicker of uncertainty in his eyes, and my chest tightened.
“It wouldn't be for long,” I added.
He kept his gaze on me. “We don't know that.”
“We do, because my mom doesn't have much time left, and I will not let anything happen to her. There's too much at stake with the Academy, the students, my mom, Celeste…” I kept my gaze on him. “The list is endless.”
“I get it.” He nodded. “I really do.”
“Is that a yes?”
“A reluctant yes.” He glanced around the grounds and lifted his eyes back to mine. “But if there's any hint that I'm needed here. I will bring her back.”
