Page 4 of Secrets in the Deep

Away. She needed to get away.

She spun, her knee almost buckling a second time. She was stubborn though, locking it into place and ignoring the pain shooting up to her hip as she speed-walked through the trees, toward her trailer.

It was probably stupid. Who in their right mind would run from a Navy SEAL? That was like starting a race you were never going to win.

Still, she moved through the forest like she was being chased.

“Emily, stop.”

The deep familiar rumble of his voice almost had her tripping again.

She walked faster, but his footsteps behind her grew louder. Closer. Like a scene from the movie she’d just shot, only this was terrifyingly real.

Two more strides and his large form was suddenly beside her. And even though they were outside, even though she hadn’t seen the man in over five years, he still smelled exactly the same. Like warmth and evergreen and this unique Ryan scent all mixed together.

“Emily, please stop and talk to me.”

She shook her head. “You’re not here.”

“I am.”

“No. You’re still in the Navy. Or maybe you’re in Camden. But you arenothere.” The ache in her knee began to throb.

“Why are you limping?”

“I’m not answering that.”

“Why not?”

She spun on him. “You broke up with me.”

“Emi—”

“No. You don’t get to call me that. You don’t get to follow me or tell me to stop or ask me why I’m limping. Becauseyoubroke up withme. You broke my damn heart.”

A muscle ticked in his jaw, the motion as familiar as the rest of him. “I know that.”

“You do? You remember telling me we were over and refusing to let me have a say?”

“Emi—”

“I saiddon’t.” She started walking again, but his loud steps still thumped behind her. Air barely made it into her lungs. Her chest felt tight, her skin hot, and the world was a blur around her.

She didn’t have the emotional strength for this. Not today. Not after that grueling scene. Maybe not ever.

The trailers came into view.

Thank God.

“I live here now.”

His deep voice slipped inside her.

She swallowed hard.Don’t look at him, Emily. Do not let him see through your armor.

“I’ve been out for almost eighteen months,” he continued. “I spent the first twelve at home in Camden with Nora. Then this job popped up and?—”

She spun on him again. “Why are you telling me this?”