Page 85 of Strictly Forbidden

He relaxed his facial muscles and closed the distance. “If I didn’t think you’d be safe, I wouldn’t leave. I have the security system and cameras working and I have a burner phone for you in case anything should happen.”

“You don’t trust me with my own phone.”

As Kage took me by the arms, pulling me even closer, I sensed an entirely different level of worry in the man. “It’s not about trusting you, Noel. The honest truth is that I do with my life. However, the men I worked with will stop at nothing to get to me, including through you.”

“So you’ve told me. I do understand, Kage. I just can’t sit here and not do something to try and help you.”

His sigh was weighted, full of angst. I would never have believed this man could be so caring but the way he cupped my face wasn’t about possession or even desire this time. His touch was merely to let me know he heard me but was determined to keep me safe.

Against all odds.

“I don’t know what you could do, Noel, but I appreciate the sentiment more than you know.”

I gripped both sides of his shirt, yanking him closer. “You deserve exoneration and to find out who killed your family. Somehow, I will find a way to help you.”

“My stubborn little brat. I do adore you, even if I will not allow you to get yourself killed.”

“That’s not what I’m trying to do. I get the trauma you’ve been through. Remember? I understand the nightmares and the hatred of the darkness. I know what it feels like to need to remain very much alone while being terrified of doing so. And I get that there is nothing and no one that can make you feel better for longer than a few minutes. No one else can fight your demons, Kage. Only you can. However, people supporting you, cheering you on, providing information and handling research to make your life more enriched? That is possible. We might not be in a relationship but you are my friend as well as my hero. Don’t tell me you’re not because I’ll fight you on it. In a few short days, I’ve learned to trust a human being again. I’ve also learned about feeling something more than sadness and anger. I just hope maybe, eventually I can help you feel the same.”

So much of the feelings I had for Kage were infused by danger and desire. I’d known since the beginning that the man craved domination almost as much as he did revenge, but the shimmer in his eyes was completely different. He brushed his fingers up and down the side of my face, taking his time while his chest rose and fell rapidly.

“Baby, you’ve given me more joy than I ever thought I’d feel again or deserve. But where I’m going in the next few days, I can’t let you follow. I won’t let you. You’re too precious, too special to me and I would never forgive myself if anything happened to you. However, we do need food and some other supplies. I need to ensure that you will feel comfortable while I’m gone, which will be at least a couple hours. So you’re going to come into the office with me and I’ll supply you with the burner phone and show you what to look for with the security cameras and the perimeter security. My question to you is have you ever shot a gun before?”

The horror that we’d gone through had come down to needing a weapon to protect myself. “A couple times but it’s been a few years.”

“Then I’m going to refresh your skills.”

“Is that really necessary?”

He lowered his head until our lips were almost touching. “It’ll make me feel better. Unless you would prefer starving.”

I knew he was trying to make light of the situation, but I sensed he was tenser than ever. “Is that all you’re doing? Getting supplies?”

The man took a few seconds to kiss my lips before answering. “Don’t ask questions I can’t give you answers to. At this point, it’s best you know as little as possible.” He kissed my lips again, brushing them back and forth.

Why couldn’t our lives be less complicated?

Our lives? Who was I kidding. This was nothing more than another chapter embroiled in a tidy little nightmare.

When we both woke up, I couldn’t help but wonder if we’d feel the same need, the same burning desire as we did right now.

“Don’t do anything to get yourself killed, Kage. Okay?” I’d grabbed ahold of his arm, keeping him in place.

“Are you asking if I’m doing business?”

“Yes, I am. I want to know if it’s possible I’m never going to see you again.”

“It sounds like you care.” He was grinning like this was just a joke.

“Yeah, I do and I’m going to fight for you since you won’t fight for yourself even though I’m certain it goes against your great rules. As my mama told me, I’m like a dog to a bone.”

As he pinched my chin between two fingers, he snorted. “I guess I’ll need to remember that. Won’t I? I am doing business but don’t worry. This is merely fact finding and planting a seed. Sometimes you need to push in order to have a conclusion.”

“I don’t like this at all. You’re going to push the wrong buttons. Let me help you.”

“You can’t do anything but take some of the pain away.”

“You underestimate me and what I can do,” I challenged.

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