Page 42 of Brutal Mate

She just needed to get back to the house, get dessert over with and take a quick shower before bed. Everything would be different in the morning.

“If that's what you want,” Kane said softly, and he too began to dress. “Miley, I…”

When he paused, Miley couldn't help but turn to look at him. His gaze was apologetic, but if he had intended to apologize for something, he didn't. He just turned his gaze away and continued to dress.

A weight landed in the pit of Miley's stomach as she began to walk back to the house.

All the while, Kane walked behind her in silence. And though it was a little awkward and more than a little uncomfortable, she also felt an odd sense of security with him there.

His watchful gaze was on her, warm and caressing on her skin, and for the first time in her life she felt truly safe.

It was ridiculous to feel that way. Kane was just another one of the bad guys. She had to keep her distance. And so, she didn't so much as glance back over her shoulder.

He was there still, always there, right behind her.

Chapter 15 - Kane

“Grandma Peters, I think that is the best pecan pie I have ever tasted!” Kane admitted, leaning back in his chair.

Miley's grandma certainly knew how to bake, and pecan was his favorite, but it wasn't half as pleasurable as what he and Miley had done in the orchard.

He only wished she seemed to think so, too. She had been even more standoffish than usual ever since and was practically silent at the kitchen table as they ate.

In fact, she spent half of dessert just staring into empty space as if she were thinking hard about something.

Does she regret it that much? Kane thought, examining her face closely. Her expression was unreadable, but she seemed to be growing paler by the minute.

“Do you agree, Miley?” he asked, hoping for some reaction. “Miley?”

“Hmmm…oh, yes, let me get the plates,” Miley said, clearly in a world of her own.

Grandma sent a worried look in Kane's direction and he shrugged.

The two of them watched as Miley picked up their empty plates and carried them over to the sink, stepping over Moses with a small stumble as she went.

Kane's chest tightened. Something was wrong. He could smell it. Miley's scent had changed again since that morning.

“Sweetheart, are you alright?” Grandma asked, as if she had sensed something was off.

The plates clattered into the sink as if Miley had dropped them, and the second she clutched hold of the large porcelain sink basin, Kane jumped to his feet.

“Oh heavens!” Grandma cried as Miley started to sway.

Even Moses jumped to his feet, though it was likely more to do with Kane's speed having spooked him than Miley’s stumbling backwards from the sink.

Kane reached her just in time to pull her up into his arms before she could hit the floor.

“Goodness! Do I need to call for someone?” Grandma asked.

Thinking quickly, Kane shook his head. Cradling Miley in his arms, her head lolling helplessly against his shoulder, he knew that no human doctor could see this.

“Don't worry, Mrs. Peters. She will be fine. She has dizzy spells,” Kane said, hoping it would be enough. “She just needs to rest. I'll take her to her room.”

“Are you sure?” Grandma asked, rising from her chair. “I can call a doctor if need be. There is one in the next town over.”

Kane shook his head again and forced a smile. “Please, don't worry, Mrs. Peters. I've got her.”

He squeezed Miley just a little more tightly. Nobody was coming anywhere near her. Not until he was certain she was okay.

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