Page 32 of Smoke and Mirrors

“Because I love my job, it’s just him I hate. I love it too much to give it up, and there just aren’t that many jobs around. I need to hold out until I can start my own clinic,” I ramble on, explaining to him about my dream to create a clinic that’s out in the country and caters to all kinds of animals.

“Dreams come true, Lily. Just gotta believe in them,” he states with confidence.

Goosebumps prickle at my skin despite how my body is overheating underneath the thick blankets. A loud bang has me shaking again.

“Kace, I’m scared,” I whisper, sniffling loudly.

“It’s okay, keep talking. Tell me about your family.”

Once again, I can hear voices behind him, and he tells someone to hurry up and move faster.

“Umm… my mom and dad are great. They’ve always been really supportive…” I hurry to explain, wanting to fill the space around me with my voice, so it blocks out what’s happening. “We had horses and cattle growing up. They live on a small ranch. I’ve got a little brother, too. I miss them so much and don’t visit as often as I should. I’m a horrible daughter.”

“No, you’re not. You have your own life now,” he reassures me.

“I really don’t have anyone else. I have Molly, but that’s it.”

“And me,” he states, and I laugh softly.

“Yeah… and you.”

I hear some shuffling in the hall outside my door.

“Open your bedroom door, Lily,” he tells me.

My hands tighten in the sheets, holding them around me as if they are made of steel and will protect me against a nuclear explosion. “Are you crazy?” I snap.

“It’s okay…” he soothes, “… I’m here now. Open the door for me.”

I pull the covers back, staring at the door suspiciously. “You’re here?”

“Yes.”

I can practically see the eye roll he gives me as I toss back the blankets, nerves rattling through my body as I slip off the edge of the bed and pad over to the door. I flick the lock slowly before reaching for the handle, my heart pounding once again like it’s going to shoot out of my chest. Peeking through the small space I’ve created, my eyes find him. He’s wearing dark clothing—all black.

I throw the door open, tossing my phone across the room and not even caring as I hear it thump against the opposing wall. He catches me as I fling my body into his arms. One of his hands goes to my ass, boosting me up so I can wrap my legs around him. I cling to him like a monkey, tucking my face into his neck and releasing a loud sob as the realization of what was going on finally hits me.

Kace turns us, pressing my back against the hallway wall. One of his hands goes to my neck, his fingers threading through my hair and holding me in place.

I clutch him in my arms, not willing to let go, trying to climb further up his body as though he’s a tall tower of safety, and I need to escape. “I was so scared.” I cry softly into his neck, drenching the collar of his shirt with my tears.

“I know. It’s okay. You’re safe now,” he whispers, his breath hot against my ear, tickling my skin.

I hear heavy panting and a wet nose press against my thigh. Pulling back just enough to look down, I find Daisy at my side, nuzzling my leg.

“Thank goodne—” I gasp before I’m able to finish my words. “Is that… blood?”

Chapter Ten

LILY

Kace wraps his fingers around my chin, pulling my face back to him. I meet his eyes, and it’s as if I can see inside him. For the first time since we met, I can see fear sparking back at me.

“You scared the shit out of me,” he whispers, his thumb grazing across my cheek, swiping at the tears that are streaming down them.

“Is it safe now?” I whisper, leaning my head forward and pressing my forehead against his. The need to touch as much of his body as possible surges through me. He’s my safety net at this point. I know in my soul that as long as he’s here, everything will be okay.

“Yeah,” he confirms. “Nothing will touch you now.”

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