Page 69 of Legacy of Danger
"You haven't done anything wrong," she said.
He pointed a thumb at his broad chest and flashed a grin. "I'm a guy. We're always messing up. As my sister likes to say, give me time." Easing onto a kitchen stool across the island, he said, "Were you okay with me a while ago, close to you, in the truck?"
Her face warmed. "Yes." Very okay, not that she'd admit that fact aloud.
"Good. Then go get ready for bed. I'll stay here."
A flicker of panic caught her off guard, and she rubbed her neck.
"If you want me to." He lifted a hand. "No funny business, I swear. You can hold onto a hammer and bash me with it if you don't feel safe. You just seem... like someone who might rest better if another person is around."
He wasn't incorrect. "But—"
"And I feel partially responsible for the Brands' treatment of you. They hate my family. If I hadn't been with you, they might not have hassled you like that."
She worried at her lower lip as her head swam. "Could have been worse."
"You got that right." He rested his hands, palms up, on the countertop. "Seriously, though. Would you be okay with me hanging out tonight? It'll make me feel a lot better, knowing you're safe."
"Really?"
"You have no idea." Why did that statement seem deeper than the mere words?
A final knot of tension unwound in her chest. One thing she knew for certain: her gut told her Vaughn Taggart was all right. Maybe his emotions were helter-skelter, but his character was solid. "Okay, then." The smile felt good after the past few hours of reliving her past hell.
Given how reassuring he was, back in the truck, his presence now might chase away some of her personal demons. And he was correct. For some odd reason, just being around him created a sensation of safety. Besides, if Vaughn misbehaved, Mariah had only to call any one of his siblings and they would knock him into line.
And bonus: she didn't have to worry about being ashamed to appear vulnerable or weak in front of him. She groaned to herself. They had passed that milestone a few hours ago.
With a tired smile, he pushed to his feet. "Still want a hammer for self-defense?"
She studied his earnest face. "No."
Once she had brushed her teeth and changed into a tank top and pajama pants, she stood in the middle of her empty bedroom, arms crossed over her chest. Shadows played on the walls, turning painted walls into plywood. Her lungs burned as she forced air in and out.
She wiggled her toes. Plush carpet. Not a rotting subfloor. Everything would be all right.
She checked the windows. No keyed locks. She could escape if need be.
Sweat formed between her breasts.
This was not a Damned. Plywood. Room.
Vaughn knocked, making her jump again. "Is it safe to open the door?"
She turned around as he eased open the door. "You're a guest here. I should get you some food. A snack."
"Watching my figure. No worries." For a guy so big, he stepped lightly as he brought in a kitchen chair and set it next to the wall, the spot farthest from her bed. He sat down, facing the bedroom door.
"You can't stay there all night."
"I will if that's what you need. Get into bed." His growl filled the small room. "You need to rest. I need to make sure you are able to rest."
"Why?"
"It's a... quirk... of mine, looking after people."
"I don't understand."
