Page 62

"You know what your problem is?" I pulled my hand free. "You think you're being noble. Protecting me from myself. But really you're just scared."

His jaw tightened. "I'm not scared."

"You're terrified. I bet you've spent twenty years keeping everyone at arm's length because caring about people is dangerous. Even with Jase there's a distance, and he lets it all hang out. Same with Angelica. You pull back. I can't decide if it's because you're afraid you'll end up hurting them, or they'll end up hurting you." I stepped closer. "And now you've found someone who sees through all your walls, and that scares the hell out of you."

The silence stretched between us. Code's expression had gone carefully blank. The soldier's mask.

"You're right." The admission came out quiet. "I'm sorry."

My remaining anger faded. Not because he'd apologized, but because I saw the truth in his eyes. He was scared. We both were. Two people who'd been burned by life, circling each other, wanting connection but terrified of the cost.

"I'm not fragile." My voice softened. "I'm scared, yes. But being scared doesn't make me incapable of wanting things. Wanting you."

Something raw and unguarded flickered across his face before he locked it down again.

"I know." His thumb traced my jaw. "But that doesn't change the fact that you deserve better than some burnout who doesn't know who he is without the Army telling him what to do."

"Maybe you should let me decide what I deserve."

My lips still tingled where his beard had scraped. My hands shook as I stepped back, putting some much-needed space between us before I did something stupid like kiss him again.

Six days ago I didn't know Code Drakos existed. Now I couldn't imagine not having him in my life. The thought terrified me.

"You know what? I'm going to get us some bourbon." I headed for the kitchenette. "And then you're going to rest, even if I have to knock you unconscious to make it happen."

"Katherine..."

"Don't 'Katherine' me. You need sleep and I need a drink. We're both going to get what we need."

I found the bottle I'd stashed in the cabinet when we'd first arrived. Good Kentucky bourbon, the kind Dad used to drink. Two glasses. No ice. We weren't civilized enough for ice.

Code had moved to the couch. He sat with his elbows on his knees, head in his hands. Exhaustion carved lines around his eyes, made his shoulders slump.

I poured two generous shots and handed him one.

"Drink."

He looked at the glass, then at me.

"I don't think alcohol is the answer here."

"It's not an answer. It's a temporary solution." I clinked my glass against his. "To not overthinking everything."

The bourbon burned going down. Smooth fire that settled in my chest and spread warmth through my veins.

Code drank his in one swallow. Set the empty glass on the coffee table with a soft click.

"Better?" I asked.

"Not really."

"Good. Because I'm not done with you yet." I liked the look of trepidation on his face. Served him right. I grabbed the throw blanket from the armchair and a pillow from my bedroom. Code watched me approach with wary eyes.

"What are you doing?"

"Taking care of you." I shoved the pillow at his chest. "Lie down."

"Katherine..."