Page 19 of Her Noble Protector

“So Wilderness Trekkers recruited you for your shoveling shit abilities?”

She could hear the humor in his voice. Was he wearing one of his nice smiles? It made her almost want to push back the blinds again to find out.

“Not exactly. I worked at the dude ranch for two years. Turned out I was pretty good at riding horses and working with guests. Soon they were having me go along on tours. Then I got the bug to do some white river rafting over in Tucson, and ended up acting as a tour guide there.”

Lisa had to haul in a deep breath. That was the most she had said in almost two months. She pushed her hands to her cheeks; they were hot. Why was she telling Raiden all of this?

“And then what?” he asked.

“It’s a long story.”

“But I want to hear more.”

“Maybe later,” she sighed. She slipped down farther on the arm of the couch. “What time is it?”

“After nine in the evening,” he answered.

“All I ever do is sleep.”

It was true. She’d barely eaten since getting home, and it showed. She had no idea how much weight she’d lost. At least she’d showered. She looked around her house again and thought about going back into her bedroom and locking the door, but she didn’t feel like it. For some reason, it felt safer here on the couch beside Raiden.

“You know that sleeping too much is a sign of depression,” Raiden said kindly.

Lisa jerked when she heard the snort come out of her nose. “Really?” she said sarcastically.

“Oh, so you do realize you’re depressed.”

Her back began to tense—she really didn’t want to have this discussion. Really, really, really didn’t want to talk about this. But at the same time, this man had flown from Miami to sleep outside her house. He was a nice man trying to help her.

This time she leaned her head against the back of her cream-colored sofa, trying to loosen up the tight muscles of her neck.

“I told you, Lisa, I just want to be here for you. I’ve messed up and haven’t been there for others in need; I’m not going to mess up with you.”

His voice sounded determined.

“I know I’ve asked you a hundred million times, but why me?”

“You’re special. Honest to fucking God, you are one of life’s special people, and I cannot stand the idea of not being here for you.”

Her heart lurched. Nobody, not ever, had said she was special. Not ever.

“I’m in trouble,” she whispered softly.

“I know,” he whispered just loudly enough for her to hear. “But I’m here now, and I’m not going anywhere. I’m going to be here for you. We’re going to get through this together, you get me?”

Tears welled for the thousandth time that day, but this time she managed to control them.

“I get you.”

“Good, honey.”

“Will you stay here with me so I can be safe?”

“Absolutely, Lisa. I’ll be right here.”

Her eyes drifted shut. “Thank you, Raiden.”

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