Page 245 of Silent Target

His breathing is uneven.

“My stitches.”

I smile against his mouth. “I remember.”

“I don’t want our first time to involve another medic.”

A laugh escapes me.

“That might ruin the mood.”

“Might?”

“Definitely.”

I take his hand and lead him inside.

A small sleeping room waits at the back of the medical wing.

One narrow bed.

One lamp.

More privacy than we’ve had since we met.

Caleb closes the door.

For a moment, we simply stand there.

No danger forcing the decision.

No adrenaline disguising what we feel.

I remove my jacket.

His gaze moves over me.

“Are you certain?”

“Yes.”

“Evie.”

“I nearly lost you beneath that mountain.”

“That isn’t a reason.”

“No. But it made me stop lying to myself.”

I touch his face.

“I want you because you came when I asked for help. Because you see everything and still choose mercy. Because you put yourself between people and danger even when no one is watching.”

His eyes close briefly.

“And because when you hold me, I feel safe enough to stop being strong.”

Caleb catches my wrist and presses his lips to my palm.