Warrior Fae Trapped (Warrior Fae #1)(61)

She peeked out from under her covers. Two shadows interrupted the light from under her door. Someone was in the hallway. Yasmine?

An uncomfortable feeling churned in Charity’s gut. Yasmine would get to cuddle up with the solid warmth of Devon, basking in his protection and strength. Charity didn’t begrudge the two their rendezvous—she had no interest in that side of things—but she would miss the innocent intimacy of his presence. He was a moody bastard, but when it really counted, he was a rock. He’d been there for her since the beginning, even when he would’ve rather been anywhere else.

Miserable, Charity sank deeper into her covers, wishing she had earplugs. She didn’t want to hear them and be reminded of how desperate she had been for that creature to touch her. Nor be reminded of who that creature had been.

Before she knew it, Charity was curled into a ball, crying so hard that it felt like her spleen was being ripped out. She didn’t hear the car approaching the house, nor the argument that trailed down the hallway. She didn’t even hear her door opening and the footsteps to her bed.

Her covers ripped away. A scream died in her throat as Devon bent down in a rush, scooping her up in his strong arms and hugging her tightly to his chest. He flicked off the light as he carried her from the room, crossed the hall, and closed his door behind them.

“But what about—”

“Don’t worry about it,” Devon answered quietly, depositing her gently onto his bed. He pulled off his shirt and stepped out of his pants, leaving on his boxer briefs, and slipped in beside her. He put out an arm and gathered her up against his warm chest. “Go to sleep. I’m right here. I won’t let anything happen to you.”



The next morning, Charity moved through her fighting postures, kicking and punching the air with everything she had, trying to forget. Trying to wipe out Donnie’s howling face. Trying to scrub away the feeling of being chased through the nightmare house. If she was going to live in a world with those creatures, she needed to push herself harder. She had to get faster, stronger.

Strangely, she wasn’t embarrassed about the vulnerability she’d shown the night before. Maybe it was because Devon hadn’t shown any pity or asked for anything in return. He’d just…been there. The man was a good guy. Extremely loyal. It almost gave him a pass for being a dick half the time.

Breathing out a sigh, drenched in sweat, she slowed. Then stopped. Panting, she headed back into the house. That boring job in the admin office was starting to look better. Especially since she hadn’t gotten a paycheck from this new job yet and she needed food.

As she passed through the sliding glass doors and sitting room, she saw Yasmine enter the kitchen in tight, sparkly pink leggings and a tube top that barely covered her large breasts. How the woman wasn’t freezing her butt off, Charity did not know.

“Hey,” Charity said, wiping her face of sweat.

Yasmine stopped at the edge of the kitchen and popped out a hip. “Well, look who it is.” The sneer erased some of her beauty. “The tag-along. I know what game you’re playing. It won’t work for long, I can assure you.”

“I didn’t realize staying alive was a game, but I sure hope it keeps working. You want some oatmeal?” Charity measured out some water and dumped it into a pot on the stove.

“He only sees you as his duty, you know,” Yasmine continued, undeterred. “He’s protecting the damsel in distress because that’s his job, and he’s damn good at his job.”

Charity threw a thumbs-up over her shoulder. “Gold star to you for the worst pep talk ever. Now, about that oatmeal…”

Yasmine huffed and sauntered toward the cabinets. “You’re no threat to me.” She extracted two coffee cups before filling them. “Watch your back, honey.”

“Dude, I’m not even into him,” Charity said, exasperated. “We fight, like, most of the time. You’re exactly right; there is no threat— Okay, you’re walking away. You don’t care.” She rolled her eyes and snatched up her phone as she waited for the water to boil.

She’d missed calls from both Macy and Andy.

Text from Macy: I gotta talk to Devon this morning. Need ride to school?

Text from Andy: We got class today, yo. Im so gonna sit next to you ;)

Text from Andy: I called u. Did u do homework? Need help. Im coming over.

Charity smiled. Lovable douche, that one.

“Hey.”

She jumped as Macy strolled in and took a seat at the island.

Macy grinned. “Scared you?”

“No. I was doing calisthenics.” Charity scowled. “Make more noise when you walk around, would you?”

“Sorry. I’m not used to hanging out with deaf humans.”

“I’m not a deaf human. I’m a deaf magical being with no real control over her life and said magic.” Heaviness filled her chest, stifling her smile. She measured out the oatmeal.

“How are you?” Macy asked, her expression turning serious.

Charity shrugged.

“Do you want a hug, a punch, or a change of subject?” Macy asked, deadpan.

Charity couldn’t help but laugh. “Change of subject, please.”

“Did you figure out your phone and computer?” Macy asked, bringing out her own phone. “Because I’m happy to make fun of you if you didn’t. Help. I mean, I’m happy to help you.”