Page 159 of Brutal

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But when I wake, I don’t move.

She’s still here.

That’s the first thing that hits.

Not the castle.

Not the threat.

Not the open questions waiting for answers.

Her.

Delaney.

Close enough that I can feel the heat of her without touching her. Close enough that I remember exactly what it took to get her here.

What we didn’t stop.

My body tenses.

That’s the problem.

Not the old man at the marina.

Not the one who ran.

Not even the one who sent him.

Those are variables.

Variables can be dealt with.

This…

God…

She’s on her side, facing away slightly, one arm tucked beneath her, hair spilling across the pillow. There’s nothing guarded about her like this. Nothing sharp or defensive.

And that’s what makes this dangerous. Because she’s not the only one who let her guard down.

I did too.

That’s not something I allow.

I lift my hand but I don’t touch her yet.

If I do, I’m not sure I’ll be able to pull back.

Damn.

I don’t like anything that shifts the ground under my feet. Delaney does that without even trying.

I drop my hand and get out of bed.

I pull on jeans and step out into the hallway. Then I go downstairs to the security room and bring the system online.

I move to the security wall and check all the feeds. Nothing immediate. No movement on the property. No breach.

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