Page 77 of Auctioned to the Devil

“Do what?”

She gives me a look.

“Come through the mountain like a homicidal lumberjack.”

“That’s specific.”

“Caleb.”

I look away.

Her fingers catch my jaw and turn me back.

“You could’ve died.”

“So could you.”

“That isn’t an answer.”

“It is for me.”

Her expression changes. “Why?”

I don’t want to say it. That’s exactly why I have to.

“Because when I saw your Jeep, I thought I was too late.”

Her legs tighten around me.

“I’ve been too late before.”

“I know.”

“I can’t do it again.”

“You weren’t.”

“This time.”

She goes quiet.

I look down at the bandage around her wrist.

“I know you can take care of yourself.”

Her fingers slide into my hair. “Do you?”

“Yeah.”

“Because sometimes you have a funny way of showing it.”

I almost smile.

“I’m not trying to protect you because you’re weak.”

“Then why?”

I finally look at her. “Because I love you.”