Chapter 12

Now was the time to speak up. But I didn't. For the first time in my life, I was rendered speechless.

Lily felt so small in my arms, so vulnerable and frail, but her spine was forged of steel. There wasn't another woman who would ever dare stand toe to toe with me. But this petite woman with her fiery hair and temper to match had managed the impossible. She was smart and outspoken, and I respected the hell out of her for not letting a man—myself included—push her around.

I couldn't believe I'd allowed this to happen. I wasn't a monk. I'd been with my share of women, but not like this. Never like this. I didn't do intimacy on any level. Sexual relations were best relegated to the bedroom, and for a very limited time. I didn't need the complication of a woman in my life. And I most definitely did not hug them. So why I'd pulled Lily against me was a mystery.

I waited for that itchy feeling to start between my shoulder blades, that age-old instinct of self preservation that screamed at me to distance myself. But it never came. Instead, I was enveloped by the comfort of her soft curves as she practically melted against me.

Her soft scent wafted upward, teasing my nostrils, and I closed my eyes. She smelled of flowers, underscored by the heady scent of woman. I could feel her firm, round breasts pressed against my chest, her nipples pushing against the fabric of the thin robe she wore. My brain short-circuited at the thought of seeing those enticing little buds, taking one in my mouth and tasting her, then moving lower.

My fingers twitched against her lower back. I was tempted to coast them downward, cup her ass and pull her even closer. But I'd already pushed her far enough today. Any more and I'd likely find her palm print embedded in my face.

I loosened my hold as Lily leaned away from me, tipping her face up to mine. Her bright blue eyes stared into my own, seemingly searching for something. Finally, she gave a small, concise nod. "I understand now."

I blinked, caught off guard. She understood what?

A soft smile curling her lips, she pulled away. I stopped her progress with my hands on her hips, but she just patted my chest. "Thank you."

This time when she pulled away, I let her go. What the hell was she talking about? I was deeply unsettled by the whole thing. In this instance, the best thing to do was retreat. I needed to figure out what the hell had just happened. And why. The way she looked at me, like I was her savior...

A shudder rippled down my spine. Had she figured out why I continued to follow her? No. There was no way she could know. But that look...

The woman was slowly burrowing under my skin. I spent an inordinate amount of time watching her, observing every move she made. I found her fascinating. And brilliant. And beautiful.

A buzzing sensation skittered along my nerve endings. This was a terrible idea. Staying here would only prolong the inevitable, but I had to know she would be safe.

I turned to look at Lily, now seated at the table and devouring the frittatas I'd made. She met my gaze, then gestured with her fork. "I think these are my favorite yet. Feel free to stay as long as you like."

Cold rushed over me, rendering me numb. I knew she was joking, but her words aligned so perfectly with my thoughts from just a few moments prior that they hit me with the force of a sledgehammer. The longer I stayed, the more likely I would bring trouble to her door. For the past five days, everything had been quiet. There was no indication of Ara?a's men having followed me here. I needed to leave.

Turning on a heel, I strode into the living room and gathered clean clothes, then closed myself in the bathroom to change. Stripping off my shirt, I dropped it to the floor, then turned to examine my back in the mirror.

The lacerations had begun to scab over, and most of the smaller cuts were almost completely healed. A few bruises remained, now a yellowish color, but even those would be gone soon. Everything was healing well, and I no longer needed someone to apply ointment or bandages. Good thing, since I'd be in a new city soon, with no one familiar to help me.

I snatched up the clean clothes, pushing the depressing thought from my head. As I unfolded the shirt, a delicate scent wafted in the air. Lily had washed everything again yesterday evening, and I tried to stem the strange sensation that billowed up in my chest. I enjoyed spending time with her, enjoyed the way she cared for me, tending to my wounds and making sure I had clean clothes to wear.

My only way to repay her was to cook and clean. And make sure she stayed safe. I knew I owed her an explanation, but at this point it would only do more harm than good. I'd already made the decision to leave. It was better just to keep my mouth shut.

By the time I was washed and dressed, Lily had finished her breakfast. I intercepted her in the kitchen, where I collected her plate and carried it to the sink.

She studied me, brows drawn together, the lines at the corners of her eyes pulled tight. "Is everything okay?"

I gave her a brief nod, then turned my attention back to the dishes. I could feel her stare cutting into my back. "Okay. Well... I'm going to get ready, then we can head to the shop. We have that delivery for Briarleigh today."

I tensed slightly at the reminder. When she'd asked me the other day if I could help deliver the arrangements, I hadn't been able to deny her. Not like it mattered if someone saw me. My time in Pine Ridge was running out. A few weeks from now, I would be a distant memory.

The sound of Lily's footsteps receded down the hallway, and I blew out a breath. I still hadn't been able to access a computer to check on the situation with Ara?a. I would trek far enough away so as to not draw attention to Pine Ridge and find a library to use. Once I'd gotten the info I needed, I could double back and go... I wasn't sure where. I would figure it out later. For now, I planned to enjoy my last day with Lily.

When she re-entered the kitchen twenty minutes later, she eyed me shrewdly. "Are you sure you're okay? You look... worried."

I shook my head. One delicate brow lifted. "If you say so. Ready to go?"

I nodded and fell into step beside her as we made our way to the car. The ride was quiet and, as usual, I studied our surroundings as we rolled into Pine Ridge. I reached for the door handle as Lily put the transmission in park, and a glimmer of movement caught my eye. A man stood near the corner of the building, and I saw the barest flash of his face before he was gone. My heart accelerated in my chest.

Was this one of Ara?a's men?

I was out of the car and running before the car rolled to a stop. By the time I reached the alley, he was already disappearing around the corner onto Main Street. I was dimly aware of Lily calling my name, but I didn't slow. I tracked him through town, zigzagging down side streets and through people's yards until I finally lost him.

Damn.

I scanned the area again, but there was no sign of the man. A litany of curse words worked through my mind as I stalked back through town toward Lily's shop. There was no question; I couldn't leave now.

And God help me, it wasn't disappointment I felt at having to remain in Pine Ridge. It was relief.