Okay—that wasn’t the answer I’d expected.
I shook my head.“I don’t needanyone’sprotection, least of all you.I am quite capable of taking care of myself.I’ve been doing it my whole life.But regardless of all that, why?”
“Why, what?”he asked.
“Why are you so determined to stop him from killing me?”
His gaze softened.“Because…I owe you.”
I frowned.He owed me?For what?“What are you talking about?”
His eyes darkened, and he stole a step closer, his presence overwhelming.I sucked in a sharp breath, surprised when I didn’t feel the urge to step back.He loomed over me, his head angled downward as he held my gaze.“I’m here to protect you.That’s all you need to know.”
The intensity in his voice sent a shiver down my spine.I forced myself to swallow before asking, “Since when do you care what happens to me?”
His mouth flattened into a grim line, but he didn’t answer my question.
I pressed my palms against his chest and shoved him backward.“This cryptic, evasive act might’ve worked ten years ago, but now it’s just irritating.Either tell me what’s really going on, or I’m walking.”
Rathiel sighed and ran a hand through his hair, a gesture so human it almost made me laugh.“I have my reasons,” he said.“And let’s leave it at that.”
“Nope.That’s not gonna cut it.”
He gave a soft laugh.“I almost forgot how annoyingly stubborn you can be.”
“Likewise,” I bit back.
“Some truths are too dangerous to know, Lily.But I’m not leaving your side, whether you like it or not.”
“I don’t need a bodyguard.I need answers.”
He closed the distance between us once again.I didn’t remember him being this pushy in Hell.
“You need to trust me,” he said softly, his voice a low rumble that made my pulse leap.“I’m theonlyone who can keep you safe from your father.”
He wasn’t wrong—Rathiel was powerful.One of the most powerful among my father’s nine generals.Each had their own abilities and strengths, but Rathiel stood in a league of his own.His mastery over blood was a weapon few could survive.I’d seen him in action, tearing through enemies like they were nothing more than fragile playthings.His attacks weren’t just calculated—they were ruthless, leaving behind nothing but carnage and fear in his wake.
But I knew better than to trust someone.Deidre had taught me that hard lesson.I was the only person I could rely on.
“No,” I finally whispered.“I can’t trust you.You’re his right-hand, his most loyal.I just can’t.”
He lifted his hand, his fingers halting next to my cheek, as though he wanted to touch me but remembered he shouldn’t.
A frown creased my brow as my gaze flicked from his hand to his eyes.
Sighing, he lowered his arm and stepped back.
“I’m sorry, but you don’t have a choice here,” he said, his voice steady.“I’m not going anywhere.You aren’t the only stubborn one here.”
I clenched my jaw, fighting to keep my emotions in check.“Go home, Rathiel.You aren’t wanted—or needed—here.”
Pain flickered in his eyes, but before he could form a response, I turned on my heel and hurried back into the restaurant, the warmth inside a stark contrast to the icy chill that lingered on my skin.My heart pounded as I made my way back to the table where Jack waited.His eyes lit up when he saw me, but his expression quickly shifted to concern.
He pushed his chair back and stood.“I was starting to worry.Are you alright?What’s going on?”
I forced a smile, though it felt tight and strained.“I’m fine.But I’m afraid I need to end our date.I gotta go.”
His brow furrowed, worry etched into his features.“Are you okay?Who was that guy?”
