I drop down onto the ground and face him over the smoke of the fire.
“I’m scared, if I’m honest. What if he wants me back? What if I have obligations? I don’t even know if I’m a mother or have a family? He will be a stranger, and my only memory is when he told me he owned me.”
Blade growls, a low rumble of discontent that should reassure, but I’m not naive enough to realize this may be out of our control.
“Then we’ll stay here until your memory returns.”
“What if it never does? We could be here forever.”
Why does my voice sound so hopeful?
“Then it’s forever, darlin’. I’m good with that.”
His low wink drags a smile out of me despite the despair eating me from inside.
He nods toward the cabin.
“Fetch the rest of the food out, and I’ll think while we eat. Remember, no problem is unsolvable, just how much heat it will generate.”
My heart leaps as I nod, standing and heading slowly into the cabin. Can Blade really solve this problem for me? Can Ryder King and the Reapers make this go away? I have my doubts because if I know one thing about my husband, it’s that he is pure evil and the biggest bastard I wish I had never met.
CHAPTER 12
BLADE
Once we’ve eaten, I relish the cold beer as I sit outside, staring into the distance, my mind working hard.
The next call I accept could change things forever, and I’m not ready for that.
Being here with Delilah is an unexpected pleasure. When she kissed me, it took me by surprise. When she told me she wanted me, it fired my libido into oblivion. But how can I take advantage of a broken angel when she is at her most vulnerable? I willneverbe that man. I never want to be, no matter how it burns me to walk away.
“The food was good.”
She is lying on the ground on a woolen blanket, her elbows on the ground with her head in her hands. The fire flames flicker, highlighting her skin, causing a red glow to accentuate her beauty. Her hair is tied in a messy bun on top of her head; her smile is bright and her eyes are dreamy. I could feast my eyes on her all day long, and the view would never get old. She is one beautiful woman, and I can’t shift my mind away from that.
I’m surprised when my phone rings, and Delilah pushes off her hands and sits cross-legged as she watches me answer it. It’sas if we both have a premonition that this could signify the end for us.
“Ryder.”
“We’ve checked out the name and it’s not good, I’m afraid.”
His voice is husky, dripping in rage, and I fear the worst, my blood freezing as it attempts to keep me alive.
“Bring her home, soldier. This is the best place for her right now while we figure out this mess.”
“Why the compound?”
I rarely question my president, if ever, but I’m failing to see what could be safer than holed up here in the wilderness.
There’s a short silence, and I picture his displeasure because Ryder King accepts no challenges to his authority, or his decisions unless it’s from his wife, Ashton.
“Just bring her home, Blade. We’ll talk when you get here.”
“Tomorrow.” I add, “I’ve been drinking. We’ll stay the night and leave at first light.”
I’m aware it will take close on six hours to make it back, and for once Ryder accepts I’m right. Drinking and riding never works out, and in darkness, it would create an unsafe ride home.
“As you wish, but Blade–”
