Page 50 of The Darkest Knight

“I’m finding out that he has helped many people. What did he do for you if you don’t mind?”

“Where do I start?” He sighed. “I came back and had a hard time getting back on my feet, supporting my family, but Seth knew I had more in me than just being a soldier. He gave me a piece of his land here and helped me start my own business. I tried to pay him back, but he wouldn’t take a penny. Me and the wife owe that man a lot, and we do as much for him as he’ll let us. I bring him over casseroles, vegetables from the garden, and a pie on occasion, yet it just doesn’t seem enough.” He scratched his forehead. “I think you might be the kick in the pants he needs to get past the chains that bind him.”

Her stomach twisted. She’d been a lot of things in her life. She’d been a rebellious teenager. A waitress. A college student. Soldier. Patient. Runner. And a lover, but never had she been a savior. Not even while in the military had she saved anyone, not really. The devastation overload had ruined many lives, especially the innocent victims. With Step for Light, she had dreams and wishes of turning lives around for people who needed the services, yet she hadn’t planned on ‘helping’ Seth. Sometimes two flawed souls found each other in a land of chaos. Could she even allow herself to entertain the idea that it was possible she and Seth were good for each other? People have found love in far worse circumstances.

*****

Seth met Reese’s gaze from across the maze of people. She stood and continued to stare at him as he attempted to read her expression. Was she angry? Bewildered? His stomach clenched.

He strolled toward her, and was glad he made it without being stalled by the guests. “What’s up?” he asked.

“You, Seth Knight. You’re what’s wrong.” She took a step closer, the tips of their shoes meeting.

His stomach clenched. “What did I do now?”

“Nothing but being yourself. You have to quit hiding behind the past and the guilt.”

If he didn’t already know that she didn’t drink, he’d have to question her sobriety. She was completely sober, but he wasn’t sure where this sudden question came from. “Note taken.” He smiled.

“I came here expecting to find a muscled ogre that had layer after layer of steel walls, but what I found was something different. A man who helps others. Is kind. Supportive. A leader to his friends.” She sucked in a breath. “And unfortunately, I don’t think you have a clue how people look up to you, care for you. Look around you. These friends are here to show you how appreciative they are for all you’ve done. I’m appreciative of all you’ve done. You’ve listened to my dreams and you’re making them come true.”

What he was appreciative of was how this woman made him feel, how she reached in deep and found a part of him free of guilt that he hadn’t realized still remained. What he also found amazing was the way she looked at him now with wide, accepting eyes and pouty, moist lips. She craved a kiss, he could see it etched in her features. He couldn’t drag his gaze from her. Her scent, her openness, and her desire to help others came at him like a speeding train without brakes. His fantasies overwhelmed him. He imagined kissing her thighs. Sliding his fingers inside of her, tasting her juices. He wanted to fuck her, but it would be more than just a rutting of two bodies. No, she was much more. Hearing her praises were a heady concoction that left him drunk without a drop of alcohol. This all reeked of danger, but he wasn’t a stranger to danger, and indeed always found himself gravitating toward mishap. She mesmerized him. Scintillated his senses. He wondered if he could ever get enough. Coming home and seeing her waiting for him, surrounded by his friends, had touched him. No one had ever done something so sweet for his birthday. This only heightened his need to touch her. Make passionate love to her. Brand her body as his.

The confines snapped and he could no longer deny the craving—could no longer deny the desire lurking in her pale gaze. He grabbed her hand and led her across the grass to the barn. They stepped inside of the dark space, the strong scent of straw didn’t even fade her musk that had embedded in his senses. He gently pushed her against the wall and held her warm gaze as he slowly lowered, closer…he was crossing a line, but he couldn’t pull back. Didn’t want to.

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