Page 28

“Especially not with another possessive man.”

His eyes hold mine.

“Possession is not protection, Wren.”

The words settle between us.

I look away first.

“Good. Because I worked really hard to get my life back, and I’m not handing it over to anyone.”

“Nor should you.”

“And whatever this is…” I gesture between us. “It can’t become complicated.”

His gaze drops briefly to my mouth.

“Then I shall endeavor to keep it simple.”

Something tells me that is a spectacular lie.

An hour later, I finish making up the sofa with a spare blanket.

Vidar stands beside the window, watching the rain sweep across Saint Street.

“You can stay here tonight,” I tell him. “But tomorrow we need to figure out what to do with you.”

He turns.

“Do with me?”

“Well, you can’t exactly go back to being a statue.”

“I have no intention of doing so.”

“Great. Then we’ll need a plan.”

He approaches the sofa.

“May I stay until morning?”

The question surprises me.

After everything, he still asks.

I nod.

“Yes.”

His expression softens.

“Thank you, Wren.”

I hand him a pillow.

“Try not to break anything.”

“I shall make an effort.”