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“What?” My gaze darted around the room, looking for threats. “What’s that look for?”

She crossed her arms in front of her like an X and shook her head violently, curls flying everywhere, her lips mouthing the word no like she was shouting it.

“Lila?” a female voice said from the phone on the counter. “Who was that?”

Wait. I knew that voice. My brow furrowed as I stared at the phone. And then it clicked. Oh, shit. My gaze shot to Lila’s. She groaned quietly into her hands.

“It’s no one, Mom. Just a person walking through the same space.”

“I thought you said you were in a cabin somewhere? Is someone in there with you? Are you all right? Say the secret code word, or I’m calling the police. I’m not joking⁠—”

I cleared my throat. “Hi, Vanessa. It’s Seb.”

Silence, followed by a long, sharp intake of breath.

“Lila, take me off speakerphone,” her mother commanded.

Wincing, Lila picked up the phone, pressed a button, and propped it between her ear and shoulder. “Okay, Mom. You’re off speakerphone.”

I couldn’t make out the words coming from the other end, but they were loud. Vanessa apparently had thoughts about Lila staying with me, and I would hazard a guess that those thoughts were unpleasant. Not that I blamed her.

“Mom!” Lila hissed. She glanced at me, then gave me her back, like that would somehow stop me from hearing. “Where else was I supposed to go? At least I’m safe here.”

I slid onto a stool, crossed my arms on the counter in front of me, and waited.

“I know that. It’s been over three years. I’m fine. Really.”

I stared at my hands. Some thread of emotion threatened to pull free in my chest, but I refused to allow it. I fucking refused. I was glad Lila was fine. I wanted her to be fine.

But why the hell wasn’t she better than fine?

“Mom.” Lila’s exasperation boiled over. But then she inhaled deeply and let it out slowly. “I trust him with my life. That’s why I’m here.”

Thump, thump, thump went my heart. Another emotion I wasn’t going to examine. My hands tightened on themselves.

“Fine.” With a huff, Lila pivoted on her toes, holding her phone out to me. “She wants to talk to you.”

“Oh. Great.” With the phone at my ear, I said, “Hi, Vanessa. How are you?”

“Seb,” she returned coolly. “What the hell do you think you’re doing with my daughter?”

My gaze met Lila’s. I swallowed and looked away. “Saving her life, ma’am.”

“You better.”

I sighed. “You want to help with that? Keep your eyes open. If you notice anyone hanging around without a reason, or if someone starts asking questions about Lila, I want you to call me. Immediately.”

“I can do that.” She paused. “You know about her father.”

“I know that you did what you had to do to get you and your daughter free of an abusive man.”

“Then you know there is nothing I won’t do for my daughter. The last time you were in my daughter’s life, she didn’t get out of bed for a week. I expect that the next time I see Lila, she will be happy and healthy and not heartbroken. Do you understand what I’m telling you, Seb?”

My hand dropped to my lap like I was shielding myself. “Yes, ma’am. You’re telling me to watch my balls.”

Lila’s eyes went wide. She groaned softly.

“Good.” Vanessa’s voice was all sunshine now. “Then we understand each other. Is there anything else I can do for you?”