Our confession, as subtle as it is, leaves both of us nervously fluttering around the space. I take the time to catalogue as much as I can about the young man who prefers the shadows.
“I should get you back. Cas can only keep the cameras off for so long. Dax’ll probably notice anyway.” Ben sighs. It’s a long, drawn-out sound that conveys his disappointment.
I can’t help but feel the same way. This was too quick. Just enough time to be slightly less awkward with Ben, but nowhere near enough to feel ready to return to the house and Sylvie Trevainne.
Ben hovers at the door. I sense he wants to ask a question, but he hesitates.
“About this place…”
“Do you want me to keep the cottage secret?”
Relief softens his features. “Yes, please. Dax probably already knows, and if he doesn’t, then Aiden does, but I don’t want to risk Sylvie or Frank finding out.”
Makes sense. I’ll not risk Ben’s sanctuary. “Okay.”
“Okay? No questions?”
“Oh, I have questions, but you don’t have to explain yourself to me. If you want me to know, I’ll be here to listen,” I tell him, taking note that he mentionedonlyFrank and Sylvie.
Ben’s eyes darken and his lips pull tight. “Actually, you should probably stay clear of Sylvie,” he warns.
“I figured that out for myself.”
“Yeah, I noticed, but she’s not as childish as she seems. Nor as innocent. Don’t be fooled. She’s vindictive.”
I can’t help but wonder where this advice was before I entered into a shouting match with the girl. Then again, I guess Ben was the only person warning me to stay away back at the beginning. He went to great lengths to keep me out of the compound.
“Yep, got all that, too. Don’t worry. The whole fiasco at the hotel has all my red flags waving. I don’t trust her, so I won’t begoing near her.”
“Good. Okay. I’ll recommend Dax send her away for a while, so you shouldn’t have another run-in like earlier.” Ben’s phone buzzes in his hand. He glances down and frowns. “Damn. We need to head back.”
As much as I’d like to stay in this little cottage and read by the fire, any extended absence from Dax’s watchful eye will only lead to a manhunt and ruin Ben’s secret. Perhaps when things are calmer, Ben might bring me back here?
One could only hope.
“Lead the way.”
Chapter Twenty-two
The aromatics of frying ginger and garlic floats through the apartment as soon as I shut the door behind me, and I find myself drawn by my nose toward the kitchen and Aiden’s broad back. The bright pink ties of an apron loop around his waist, and he flips rice and vegetables in a wok.
“Now this I could get used to,” I tease, sliding onto a stool at the breakfast bar and watching my man move around the kitchen. He looks as at home here in the compound as he does in the apartment downtown.
Aiden ladles the food into a serving dish and then leans across the counter for a kiss. I meet him halfway, boosting myself across on shaking arms. My stomach rumbles loudly.
“Thought I’d get something ready for us to feast on.”
“Great. My stomach thanks you.”
“Did you miss lunch?” Aiden asks, frowning at me like I had any choice in the matter. I nod but keep my lips tight. “Won’t be long. Dax will be up in a couple of minutes.”
“Has someone told Sylvie?” I ask, wondering why I’m a goddamn masochist. Why should I care if the spoiled brat has eaten or not? Nevertheless, I do.
“Figured you’d not want her with us after what happened today,” Aiden responds, but he watches me like a hawk, waiting for my confession most likely.
“Ah, you heard,” is all I reply, not wanting to rehash the fallout.
He nods, throwing noodles into the wok and seasoning them. “I did. Or rather,wedid. Cas sent us the footage.” He turns back to look at me, focussing on my hairline where she grabbed me. He frowns, then turns back to the sizzling wok. “Are you okay?”
