“He wantsyou.”
“Believe me, if he does, it’s because he’s interested in the farm.”
A muscle twitched in Ryker’s jaw as he ground his teeth together. “Believe me, it’s not.”
I decided arguing with him was pointless. “He also brought news of a female lightning bearer.”
“Do you think he suspects you?”
“No, if he did, he’d take me in himself.”
“Or he’d hold it over your head and use it against you to get what he wants.”
“How would he keep a lightning bearer under his control?”
“We’re both being controlled right now, Ellery. Believe me, he’d use the knowledge against you. He’s not just here for the land.”
While he was most likely right, I felt Gaius was more interested in becoming a landowner than screwing me. His father was given a lot of respect in Tempest because of his ability to craft fine weapons, but he didn’t own property. Because of that, neither did his son.
“I have to get back to work,” I said.
“You haven’t eaten.”
“It’s not the first time I’ve gone without, and it won’t be the last. I’ll have an apple. Are you going to Tucker’s?”
“No, I’m staying here.”
“He’s not coming back today.”
“Someone else could come.”
“I’m sure many will… once the roadblocks are down.”
“He told you about that.”
“Yes.”
A vein throbbed in his temple. “I’m staying.”
“You’re so stubborn.”
His mouth twitched toward a smile, but the lightning never left his eyes. “Not as much as you. I’ll do the work in the barn so you can finish earlier.”
“What if someone comes?”
“I’ll hide. I’ve become very familiar with the hayloft.”
Arguing would be pointless, and I wouldn’t mind a little extra help today. “Okay.”
“As much as I’d prefer you got some rest, we should probably return to Tucker’s tonight. They should see you.”
“What if they come to the manor in search of me tonight?”
Ryker glanced past me to the road. “I think a couple of hours away will be all right. Right now, Ivan’s focused on Nottingshire. You can’t hunt in the Revenant Woods anymore, but you can still gather supplies; we’ll make sure you come back with some mushrooms in case they come here in search of you.”
“Okay.” I hated being a spectacle again, but he was right, we had to return to Tucker’s. “We’ll go.”
I walked over and rested my palm on his cheek before rising on my toes to kiss him. “I’ll see you soon.”
