Page 51 of Drowning in Darkness

“And I don’t need a freaking babysitter,” Stephanie answers. “I might be in danger, but make no mistake—I am an adult who can wipe her own ass.”

She sits between me and Camryn, and the scent of whatever she uses on her hair washes over me. Something berry based. I haven’t even been able to drink juice without being reminded of her.

“I’m here by choice,” she continues. “To allow you both to continue to do your jobs and not worry about me. That’s the reason I’m going along with being pulled and pushed in various directions and houses. I understand that I’m outmatched, but I know if Christopher takes me, the people I love and care about will do stupid shit and put themselves in danger.”

What must it be like to have someone like her care? Well, not someone like her. Just her. Only her.

Camryn’s jaw tics. “At least we agree that this is the best place for you. No one knows he’s here.” Apart from you, it seems. “And on the occasions you need to leave, you call me, and I’ll swap out.”

Stephanie’s lips curve. “Girls’ night is on the cards after all, Camryn. I will paint your nails if it’s the last thing I do.”

I feel like I’m missing something. Camryn snorts. “Deal.” She turns to me, all humor disappearing from her face. “I didn’t have time to grab Stephanie any clothes. We abandoned everything, and I didn’t want to risk stopping anywhere.”

“I have stuff to keep her going,” I reply.

Stephanie’s gaze lasers on my face, and Camryn nods in understanding. “In that bag are her meds, antibiotics, and painkillers. Although be warned—the painkillers make her loopy.”

“Bah,” Stephanie says. “You say loopy, I say loose.”

This is going to test more than my bubbling attraction. When was the last time I shared my home with anyone? The answer is my mother. I haven’t allowed myself to get close, not when drawing in any woman put them in immediate danger. You’d think that would have changed since I became the leader, but if anything, it’s worse. Everything I do and say is being watched by those immediately beneath me, ready to rip out my throat at the first sign of weakness.

My crucial role for Jonathan was security. While it made me grind my teeth to protect him, it meant I wasn’t forced into taking women and girls into my life and helping to keep the sick circle of unregistered babies born inside the cult going.

“Still, you need to be careful,” Camryn warns.

“Fine. It’s not like I can’t manage without, anyway.”

She will take the damn pills at the first sign of pain.

“Are you staying?” I ask Camryn. It looks like she needs a night to rest, regroup, and make a plan. I should know better.

“No, it’s too dangerous. In fact, I should get going now.”

Stephanie’s eyes shift to the woman who has taken a literal bullet for her as she stands. She jumps to her feet and wraps her arms around the shocked agent. “Thank you,” Stephanie whispers. “You might think this is just doing your job, but you have to know how rare you are.”

Camryn reciprocates the hug. “I’ll see you shortly, okay? I need a little time to check in far, far away from here so as not to rouse suspicions.”

“Okay, but don’t leave it too long.”

Because she’s scared to be alone with me? Not unreasonable, but I would never hurt her. In fact, I’d prefer not to be in the same zip code as her.

“You gather the nail polish, and we’ll call it a date.”

Still confused about this.

I follow Camryn to the door as Stephanie turns on the TV and settles back against the sofa.

“Be careful with her,” Camryn says as we step outside and out of her earshot.

I fold my arms. “Always.”

“I mean it, James. She acts as if she hasn’t experienced a single bad thing in her life when we both know it’s the complete opposite.”

Actually, people like that are often entitled assholes who believe they can take what they want without consequences. Stephanie is the way she is because she’s walked the edge of darkness and found the strength to crawl back to the light. She’s someone who doesn’t take each breath she takes for granted. It’s both heartbreaking and admirable.

“Are you suggesting I’m going to do something to her?” I ask. “Because if that’s the case, put her in the car and take your chances out in the world.”

She’s not going anywhere. I won’t allow it. I don’t want her here, but now that she is, I can’t think of her being anywhere else and feel that she’s safe.