She draws a shaky breath. “So you’re… taking me?”
“Yes,” I say. “To my cabin. Secluded. Locked. No neighbors close enough to see anything. You’ll be safe there tonight.”
Her eyes search my face, like she’s trying to find the catch.
“And if I don’t want to go?” she asks, voice small.
I hold her gaze. “Then tell me now.” My jaw tightens. “If you stay in town, you’re a target. With me, you’re not.”
For a second, she just stands there in the cold, looking like she’s been chased by something she still can’t outrun.
Then she nods. Once. Sharp.
“Okay,” she whispers.
I swing onto the bike and pull her in close behind me, guiding her hands where I want them. Around my waist.
She hesitates for half a heartbeat.
Then her arms wrap around me, tight, like she’s afraid the night might take her again if she lets go.
Good.
I take the back roads without thinking. Trees swallow the streetlights. Pinehaven falls behind us like a rumor. The ride goes quiet except for the engine and the steady thrum of her trying to hold herself together against me.
When the cabin finally appears, squat and solid between the pines, I kill the engine.
Silence drops heavy.
She stays still for a beat, her head turning as she takes in the dark outline of the place. Like she’s deciding if she’s safer or more trapped.
I swing off first and reach back for her. She takes my hand and lets me steady her as she climbs down, legs a little unsteady on the dirt.
“You’re safe here,” I say. “Do you understand?”
Her nod is small.
I pull her helmet off carefully and set it on the seat. The second the cool air hits her face, she sways like the adrenaline finally gave up holding her upright.
My hand catches her waist instantly.
Her breath hitches.
I don’t let go.
I should bring her inside, lock the door, get her water, ask questions, make a plan.
Instead, my gaze drops to her mouth, and my body remembers the way she kissed me like she had nothing left to lose.
I force myself to look away.
My voice comes out rough, honest enough to be dangerous.
“If I kiss you again tonight,” I tell her, “I won’t stop.”
Her eyes widen, heat flashing through the fear for one breath.
I tighten my hand at her waist like a warning to myself.
