Page 46 of His to Defend

She spent the rest of the morning pretending everything was fine. She helped Kade and Ella in the kitchen, preparing a breakfast feast for all of the wedding guests who had spent the night on the ridge. It helped to keep her mind busy so she couldn’t think about the one person who was notably absent. But she couldn’t run from her feelings forever, and when there was finally a moment of quiet, and breakfast was over, Nina poured herself another cup of coffee and headed outside again. Only this time, she went out to the side porch where she was less likely to be disturbed.

Nina let the September sun warm her face and she closed her eyes to soak it all in. When she opened them again, she was staring directly at the small green nylon tent that was meant to be Ryker’s sleeping arrangements and would have been if he hadn’t stayed with her.

She could still feel the weight of his arms around her as they slept. He’d pulled her up close to him and they’d slept like that, wrapped in each other. Never before had she been able to sleep so close to someone in that way. She usually kicked and thrashed and needed her own space to get a good night’s rest. But with Ryker, it was almost as if his presence had settled her, helped her sleep and calmed her.

If she closed her eyes, she could almost picture him there with her last night. After the dance, she’d excused herself from any of the groups that were going to share a nightcap in the Den and snuck off to her room, needing to be alone. She’d been exhausted from the wedding and mentally from Ryker’s sudden disappearance, and she’d fallen into a deep sleep almost as soon as she closed her eyes. But it hadn’t been a good sleep. There’d been nightmares and although in the light of day she couldn’t seem to remember any of them, she could remember that they’d made her feel lonely, scared, and empty.

And then it was better.

At some point in the night, the dreams had stopped and she’d slept soundly. Just as if Ryker had been there to soothe her.

Had he been there?

No. He couldn’t have been.

Nina shook her head and tried to clear her mind of the thought that Ryker had been in bed with her the night before. Had it been a dream? She could have sworn she’d heard him whisper in her ear.

I love you and I’m sorry.

Had she really just imagined that?

“Hey. I thought I’d find you out here.” Nina jumped at Harper’s voice. “Sorry.” She laughed. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”

“You didn’t.” Nina laughed. “I was just thinking…hey,” she said, an idea coming into her head. “Can I stay here for a bit? Just to write and figure things out?” It was a thought that had been stirring in her head for a few days, but at that moment it just felt right to stay. “I’ll rent the room,” she continued. “I know you probably have guests, but…”

“Of course.” Harper’s voice was kind. “We’ll find the room. You are always welcome to stay here at the ridge, no matter what.”

“Thank you.”

“You don’t need to thank me.” Harper stepped closer. “Now, do you want to talk to me about what’s really going on? I heard that Ryker left.”

Nina nodded.

“He’ll be back, Nina.”

She shook her head. “You can’t know that.”

“I do.” Harper’s smile returned. “It’s the craziest thing, but I’m absolutely sure he’ll be back. You two…well…you’re…”

“What?”

“You’re fated.”

“Fated?” She couldn’t help it; she laughed. “That’s a bit romantic, don’t you think?”

“It is, but…” Harper looked around. “I think I maybe should tell you something. Come with me.”

Harper led her across the porch into an even quieter corner. “There’s something I haven’t told you yet,” she said. “About Axel.”

“Axel?”

Harper nodded and bit her bottom lip. “And Ryker.” Ryker? “And me,” she added. “Well, all of us.”

“You?” Nina shook her head. Worry wormed its way in and suddenly she wasn’t so sure she wanted to know anything at all. “And Ryker?” She swallowed hard. “All of who?” Panic rose up inside her, threatening to choke her words. “Harper, what’s going on?”

“Don’t worry.” Her friend put her hand up and smiled. “I promise it’s nothing bad. Not really. And I want you to know it’s all okay. Really.”

“You’re scaring me.”