Predator - A Stand Alone Suspense Romance(40)

I always shower right after we come up from working the land. Then I put on one of the new dresses Annie made me. The ‘sunflower range’, she calls them. They still reach to under my knees and the colors are bright. She says it’s to make me shine. I just smile and wear them to please her.

“Honey, I’m gonna head on over to Old Bertha for a quick cup of tea. Just taking her some of the pie I baked. Woman’s been complaining about her hips not functioning.” A quick cup means I’ll see her much later.

They normally play bridge while finishing the pie between the two of them. She tried to get me to go with her once. It’s alone time for me so I don’t mind. I know she’s next door.

“Take it easy on her,” I tease. She winks at me and heads out the door.

I listen to Annie drive away and then it’s only me and Elvis. I leave him on so the house isn’t too quiet.

I started painting the chest of drawers two days ago. Lilac with purple butterflies. Annie loves it. I get back into stenciling the butterflies when Elvis hiccups and the house goes silent.

I wait for the record to go on, but it doesn’t, and the second drags out endlessly long. I feel the air shift, the atoms press against me, and I know I’m not alone. The paintbrush in my hand starts to shake, but I don’t move.

“If I can find you,” he says, “they can find you just as easy.” I try to listen for movement but I hear none. I can only feel him.

“Karen Weston,” it’s a whisper but it’s closer, real close.

I drop the brush on the paper and push myself up. I haven’t seen him in thirty-four days, but his voice has the power to make it feel like it’s only been a second. I try to prepare myself for his eyes as I turn around and then I almost whimper.

His eyes are lifeless and hard on me. Somehow he’s managed to become harder.

“Damian,” I whisper, because I still can’t believe he’s really here.

“You look really good, Cara.” He surprises me with a compliment. His eyes travel over me, from my bare feet to my still drying hair.

I smooth the dress out in front and my hand settles over my stomach protectively. “Annie made the dress,” I whisper stupidly. Like he actually cares about the dress!

“Who is Williams?” He jumps the subject and my mind scrambles to catch up.

“Who?”

“Jason Williams,” he says the name again. “The man who did the search on you, who is he?” Damian looks tired and it makes my heart squeeze painfully.

“He’s Annie’s … he’s like a son to her. He didn’t trust me just showing up so he had me checked out. He’s an officer. I don’t know him all that well,” I answer quickly, and I don’t know why I added the last part. Maybe more for Jason’s safety. I might not like him, but I don’t want him dead.

“Really? Because he stops by here a lot,” he says, and I hear the warning.

Anger starts to bubble up. “You’ve been watching me? What’s it to you, anyway? If he’s stopping here for Annie or me, it’s really not any of your business, Damian. You have your own life to concern yourself with,” I snap. And with life I mean Jean.

“And that’s why I’m here.” He walks closer to me. “I’m not that happy that another man is taking an interest in my life. I near damn went crazy when you just vanished on me!” He takes a breath and calms down. “Why did you leave?”

“Because of her. Because there will always be a her. You have a need to save people, and you’re done saving me. I can’t live in a house where there’s a constant flow of needy women.” That’s not really the answer but I hope it works.

“I’m done with you?” he says incredulously. “I’ll never be done with you. You remember that before you let that man touch you.” He turns and my body comes to life. He’s leaving!

“That’s it? You just came here to threaten me?” I challenge him. Anything to make him stay a minute longer.

“I’m not threatening you, Cara. The day I dragged your ass out of that container, you became mine. I told you once I wouldn’t let you leave. When I say something, I mean it. When I said you don’t get to fucking leave me I meant it. God help the man who touches you. You’re carrying my name. I’ll give you the time you need with this lady, but not with another man.”

“But you can have Jean?” I let the words fall between us. “I don’t even have a man in my life! I don’t want a fucking man near me! I … I-” My voice cuts out from all the emotions clouding my judgment.

“I don’t have her. I helped her. She was a friend. She’s gone. I was wrong to expect you to deal with another person so soon after what happened. I was wrong, and I’m sorry for that. But if it will make you feel better, I’ll say it: no matter if she walked naked through the damn house I would only see you.”

“Reaaally?” I stretch the word out. “You wouldn’t even take a peek? You’d just tell her to bugger on off?”

He looks away and swallows. This last month has not been kind to him, either. I didn’t know I could hurt him. He seemed so untouchable.

I walk to him and look up. I don’t remember him being this tall.

“You have to stop growing,” I try to joke the uneasiness between us away. “I know I’m unreasonable in my demands of you, but it’s one thing to help someone, and a totally different story when you give them a home that’s supposed to be my safe haven. She made it clear she wanted you and that she would have you. I felt like I was in the way.” I sigh and drink in the ink curling in his neck.