“Who did you see? Who elicits such fear in you?” Bash crouches in front of me but looks over his shoulder several times.
But I know he won’t see anyone. Because no one is there. Because ghosts aren’t real, and that man was left for dead six years ago.
“Lizzy, if you can tell me who he is, then I can protect you,” Bash’s voice is gentle as he cups my cheek. I lean into his hold, then place my palm on top of his hand.
“He wasn’t there. The man I thought I saw, he’s dead. So, it couldn’t be him.” I don’t want to admit that it was definitely him, but that I conjured him in my imagination, so I let him believe that it was someone else. A stranger.
“Are you sure?” His hesitation warms my heart. This sweet man truly would protect me if there was a man after me. Or at least he’d try.
“Yes.” The image of his corpse covered in scarlet liquid appears in my mind. The memory includes the sulfuric smell of his blood as he lay unconscious at my feet. “I’m one hundred percent sure.”
“Okay.” Bash hesitates, then wraps his arms around me. “No need to let strangers ruin our lunch. I worked hard to make this a good date.”
I return the hug, seeking comfort in this godsend. He freely comforts me, supports me, spoils me. He’s nothing like Vincent. And he never will be.
Bash accompanies me back to the reptile exhibit, and when my break ends, he gives me a kiss on the cheek, then leaves.
Despite being rational, I look over my shoulder countless times the rest of the day. The paranoia overcomes me, causing me to leave work early.
I only feel safe once I’m locked inside my home. And most of that secure feeling comes from the knowledge that Bash is just over the fence in my backyard.
Chapter 22
Sebastian
Shoving my glasses off my face, I pinch the bridge of my nose. I can’t get the haunted look on her face yesterday out of my mind. The terror in her eyes as she lost all color in her skin. She never has a reason to fear; I will always protect her.
I almost broke my promise about digging into her past. Her prior identity has been a mystery to me. Within a few strokes of my keyboard, I could find it all. But I swore I’d respect her privacy and not pry into her past. But yesterday made that so damn hard.
It didn’t stop me from reviewing the security footage from the zoo. But the tree is a blind spot, and I couldn’t see anyone. Without knowing what happened in her past, I don’t know who the threat is.
At this crossroads, I decide the best course of action is to keep Lizzy close and to keep an eye on her. No one can get to her through me.
Determined, I pick up my phone and check on her. She’s sitting at her table, working on her puzzle in her pajamas, looking adorable. I hate to interrupt her peace, but I need to seeher. I need to see her smile to wash away the memory of her fear.
Dialing her number, I hold my phone to my ear.
“Hey, Bash.” Lizzy’s bright voice lights me up when the call connects, instantly calming my nerves.
“Hey. If you’re not busy, I was wondering if you’d like to come over? I can grill some burgers, and we could watch a movie or something.”
“Umm… You mean like Netflix and chill?” Her voice is drenched in disbelief.
“Fuck. I swear this isn’t a booty call. I just wanted to invite you over. For dinner and a movie. Dinner by myself can get lonely. Plus, I’d like to see you.” The words tumble out, one rushed syllable after the next. Horror drenches me, and if it were possible, I’d die from mortification right on the spot.
She lets out a light laugh. “I’m just messing with you. I know what you meant. Sure, I’d love to come over. I understand the lonely feeling.” Her voice is soft at the end, and I wonder if she’s craved someone’s company as much as I’ve craved hers. If I can give her the companionship she gives me.
“Perfect. Text me when you’re ready, and I’ll come and get you,” I tell her.
She chuckles. “Bash, I’m around the corner. I’ll just walk.”
Absolutely not.
“It’s already dark outside. I’m coming to get you.” I leave no room for argument in my tone. I won’t ever tell her what to do, except where her safety is concerned. Walking in the dark alone is not acceptable. Plus, a gentleman always picks his date up.
“Okay.”
“Good.” I drop the smugness from my voice. “Text me when you’re ready. There’s no rush. I’ll get started on the burgers in the meantime.”
