Page 24 of Before Broken Vows
"For both of us!" I say. "You think I wanted to—" I cut myself off, my throat tight.
He moves closer. So close I can smell the wine on his breath, feel his heat on my skin. "Wanted what? Finish that sentence."
I back up until suddenly I'm pinned against the doorframe. "I thought about you every day. Every fucking day. I may be a lot of things to you right now, but I'm not your enemy, Theo."
His eyes flicker to my lips and then back to my eyes. Between the range of emotions running through me, I don't know if the heat I'm now feeling is from anger or for him.
"Then what are you?"
I shake my head. "I don't know, but I just want to make sure no matter what, you'll protect me."
"Depends on the truth."
“That’s what I’m working on putting into words. I just need to know you won’t—“ I swallow the rest.
His eyes narrow. “Won’t what?"
“Shut me out,” I say. "I need to know you'll protect me regardless of what I say."
"You're asking for loyalty when you showed none."
The words cut deep. I'm not holding back because I want to lie. I'm holding back because I don't know how to say it yet.
"I showed loyalty in the only way I could. You just don't see it yet."
"Then make me see," he growls.
"I would if I could just get my thoughts straight!" I push against his chest. God, his body is even harder than I remember, all solid muscle.
We're at an impasse, staring at each other, neither willing to give ground. His eyes drop again to my mouth for the briefest second, and heat curls low in my belly. This time I know the reason.
Guilt claws at my throat. "I never meant to hurt you."
"But you did." His eyes hold mine. "And here you are, asking for my help, and keeping secrets."
I stand straighter. "I will tell you everything. Just please be patient."
He's moving as close to me as possible without actually touching me.
"Tell me now," he demands, voice low.
Keeping it all in is too much, and he's wearing me down. Without thinking, some spills over.
"Someone knows something they shouldn't, and I have no idea how or why."
"Do I have something to do with it?"
"Yes."
He studies me for a moment, as if he'll learn the rest through my eyes.
"Tell me how."
I give him a look that he knows all to well.
His hand comes up to cup my jaw. "You remember the rules, don't you?"
My breath catches. The air thickens. Of course I do.
