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7
Langston
I watch Liesel close her eyes and fall asleep. She looks so peaceful, so content, but I know that isn’t true. Just like all my worries slipping away when I stare at her—it’s not reality.
In reality, we are both enemies locked in a battle that will only end in one of our deaths.
I’ve had a lot of practice watching others sleep over the years. Ever since my kids were born, I’ve been watching them sleep and ensuring they’re still breathing as they snuggle their favorite stuffed animals—Rose, a dragon and Atlas, a traditional teddy bear.
I get the same feelings watching Liesel sleep as I do my children. Liesel feels like my whole world. I have blinders on when it comes to Liesel. I don’t see, hear or feel anything but her.
I should sleep. I’m going to need my energy to match her tomorrow. I can’t afford for her to outwit me and once again escape or lead me into a trap.
But it’s impossible to close my eyes when watching her sleep soothes my soul in a way that I didn’t even realize I need. I reach out and touch her face.
She doesn’t stir.
That’s when I sink down into the bed and wrap my arms around her body. If I can’t keep my eyes on her all night, at least I can hold her.
I don’t feel the rage I expect by holding her in my arms. I don’t want to destroy her for hurting Siren, or for what she did before. Holding her makes me want to protect her, care for her, even love her.
“Why don’t I hate you?” I whisper in her hair. I don’t understand—she’s done some of the worst things possible against me, and yet, I don’t hate her. I’m angry—yes. But hate…I could never hate her.
But still, I have to ensure that Liesel never commits another sin. I have my kids to worry about. I can’t let her anywhere near them. I still can’t believe I talked to her about them. I have to protect them from her.
But dammit, do I wish she could meet them. She’d love them. Maybe meeting someone so pure, innocent, and kind would persuade Liesel to my side.
A loud banging noise startles me, and I jump up.
Liesel jumps up as well.
“What was that?” she whispers, wrapping my leather jacket tighter around her. She hasn’t taken it off. I want it to be because the jacket comforts her and makes her feel like I’m wrapped around her, protecting her. But she also hasn’t changed out of her dress or heels, so I can’t read much into her still wearing my jacket.
“Someone’s on the boat,” I say back.
I find the gun I gave Liesel and hand it to her once again. She takes it weakly, like holding the gun disgusts her.
“Have a problem holding a gun? You didn’t seem to have a problem using one to shoot my best friend,” I growl at her, still pissed off.
“I hate this world,” she mutters almost to herself as she readjusts how she holds the gun like a pro. She may resist this world. She may act like she doesn’t belong. But the way she holds a gun and carries herself, combined with her devious and conniving methods means she belongs as much or more than any of us.
“Stay here. I’ll go take care of the danger. The bedrooms are the safest place. I’ll put it in emergency lockdown mode. I won’t even be able to get back in without you unlocking the door.”
I stand up and pull out my own gun. I’m sure it’s just another failed attempt to get information about the treasure from Liesel or me. I’ll be able to squash whomever this is quickly, but I should move the yacht out to sea to make it harder for us to be attacked.
I consider calling Enzo or Kai to let them know we are being attacked in case I’m wrong and I need their help, but I think better of it. I don’t need their help, and I don’t want them to worry, not when they should be taking care of Siren and making sure she lives.
I walk to the door before I hear Liesel’s strong voice, “Stay.”
I turn and look at her.
She’s breathing hard, her eyes wild, and she climbs out of bed and runs over to me.
“If this is the safest place to be, then stay. We can wait whomever out.”
I smirk. “Worried about my safety?”
She frowns. “No, but I know what it’s like to grow up without a father, and I don’t want to have to find your kids a new one because you are too proud to call for help when you need it.”
