Page 42 of Callen's Captive
“Talk about what?” She was half listening to him as she licked the peanut butter off several fingers. He held back a moan and readjusted his legs to relieve the pressure.
“What I did to that clerk.”
“It’s done. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”
“Is that what your foster dad always said?”
She set the rest of her sandwich down on the table, close to him. “You can finish it. I’m not that hungry.”
Another lie. She was hungry. She hadn’t eaten much in the days he’d been with her. What he did back at the motel wasn’t going to go away.
Callen moved behind her as she unfolded the sheets from the dresser and started making the bed. The need to hold her, to tell her everything would be all right and that no one would ever hurt her again was extreme, but he thrust his hands behind him.
She sidled past him without a smile or even a glance. She wasn’t ready to be touched.
With the bed half-made, she stilled, her back to him. “There was always an excuse and always a next time,” she said, her voice low, almost a whisper until she cleared her throat. “I’m not that scared kid anymore.”
“No, you’re a woman who’s been traumatized and has found that the best way to handle it is to leave it behind. That’s why you left me this morning. That’s why you’ll leave me again tomorrow. And if not tomorrow, then the day after. You think I’m just like him.”
She swung around. “You’re putting words in my mouth!”
“Then tell me I’m wrong.”
“You’re impossible.”
“But not wrong.”
“Stop pushing me, Callen!”
He was a fool to think he could stand so close and not touch her, even when she was mad. The second he rested his hands on her arms, he was undone. Every part of him needed her, to know that she’d be okay.
“I’m sorry I lost my control back there, Kate, but that’s not who I am. That’s never happened before. When I saw the terror in your eyes and the bruise on your wrist, my wolf clawed me from the inside. It was all I could do to keep from shifting and ripping that guy’s throat out. My wolf has never risen up like that. I should have fought to control him better, but quite frankly, I wanted to hurt the asshole for hurting you. For attacking you.”
“You could have killed him.”
He nudged her chin up until her eyes met him. “You stopped me. My wolf listened to you. I listened to you. I don’t want you to fear me, who I am.”
“Violence isn’t always the answer.”
He took a deep breath and released it slowly. “Sometimes there isn’t a choice.” He leaned in close, resting his forehead against hers. “Forgive me?”
“I need to think.” The smile she flashed was weak, as she turned back to finish making the bed.
He eased the top sheet and blanket from her and finished making the bed, finding the simple task oddly calming. He tossed the pillows on and eased onto the bed, the surprisingly comfortable bed, and motioned her over.
“I can sleep on the floor,” she said.
After everything today, she still didn’t trust him. “Here or on the floor doesn’t matter to me, but I will be holding you tonight.”
She started biting her pendant again. She did that when she was stressed.
“Why, Callen? What do you want from me? What am I to you?”
Sunshine and light and everything that’s been missing in my life.
“Humor me, Princess. I’ll sleep better knowing you’re safe beside me. And I promise not to hog the covers.”
She laughed a bit at that. . . from several feet away. “We’re just going to sleep, right?”
