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“This is beautiful. How did you find it?” I heard the words but as I continued my trek, I didn’t care about the answer. He’d found one of the most gorgeous locations I’d been to in a long time. The entire back wall seemed to be floor-to-ceiling windows and doors, providing the most incredible view of the ocean.
“You learn to ask the right questions.”
I gave him a half smile before venturing further, my heart racing. “I love the ocean.”
“Yeah, I know that you do. Something we have in common. I never forget anything.”
The statement seemed so out of place. He’d purposely found a safe house near the ocean. “I guess I should say thank you.”
“A necessity, Crystal. I also purchased some food. It’ll keep us for a couple days anyway. They’ll be the hottest with regard to the hunt.”
The hunt, meaning the Desperados would comb the streets searching for both of us. Another chill swept down my spine.
I navigated toward the back, peering out the set of doors. The ocean seemed only steps away, the surf already pounding the crystalline beach, the bright sun surrounded by fluffy clouds and intense blue skies. This was a picture book, not a safe house to keep from being murdered. The irony made me shiver. Palming the glass, I felt like a gilded bird locked in a cage, never to feel the effects of the sun on my face. Or maybe this was nothing more than a snow globe, time spent reflecting on a life that shouldn’t have been.
“You can go outside, at least briefly,” he said in a ragged tone as he inched behind me. “I doubt they’ve organized enough to realize you already left the area.”
I was able to see his reflection in the glass, his pensive look and the way he remained on edge. I had the distinct feeling he was harboring information. He was right, the pieces of the puzzle were far too fragmented. We were both pawns in a life-or-death game. For a fleeting moment, I could almost dream about this beautiful location being a getaway for lovers. Almost. “You’re certain it’s safe?”
Who was I kidding? We were both going to die.
“At this point, yes. As I mentioned, do not go far or stay for long. Period. There are only a few houses close by and I checked out the owners. They have nothing to do with the Desperados, but I trust no one.”
There was the word again.Trust…
I held my arms, fighting the apprehension before unlocking the door. “Come on, boy. Let’s see the beach.” Zorro rushed outside, bounding down the stairs and racing straight to the water’s edge. I stood on the deck, watching his happy go lucky actions, wanting to be just as free and content in my life. I felt Blade’s presence near me but keeping his distance. There were dozens of things that needed to be said, answers I required, and I was certain he had a few questions of his own. At this point, we couldn’t bridge the gap wedged between us. Perhaps we never could, but I did require a single answer, and one with the complete truth.
“Why did you do this, Blade? From what you confided in me, you need to get out of town, find your own peace and safety. Plus, you don’t know me. This house, everything must have cost you a fortune. I don’t take charity from anyone. When I left Jericho’s fortress, I’d squirreled away just about a thousand dollars. That’s all I had to my name. Can you believe that? The day I moved into his house, I wasn’t allowed to work any longer. I had nothing to speak of anyway, so the gifts and clothes, the fabulous dinners were enough, at least for a little while. Oh, yes, I had plenty of credit cards, but zero cash and no control. After I made my decision to get the hell out, every cent I could get my hands on I hid away. That took me a solid year. How ridiculous and disgusting the kind of person I’d turned into. I was and still am ashamed about the past. Not any longer.”
“Men like that can break you down easily.”
The angst in his voice was chilling. “Happens before you realize you’ve been sucked in. The day I left, I made so many promises to myself. I plan on keeping them. At least the majority. I don’t know when I’ll be able to pay you back for this, but I intend to.” I expected him to laugh at me for some reason. When he didn’t, I finally glanced in his direction. He seemed locked in his own anguish, his face contemplative.
Blade leaned over the railing, his eyes pinned on the water. “This isn’t about charity. You don’t owe me. There’s no way you’re going to be able to pay me back. I will figure out a way to get your life back for you. Somehow. When I leave here, you’ll never see me again, never be able to locate me. Yeah, I’ve done some bad shit in my life, but this isn’t a method of having you owe me anything.”
“Then why? Just tell me.” He was clear enough that he would disappear. I meant nothing to him, but I’d force an answer out of him somehow.
Exhaling, I noticed he’d dug his fingernails into the dense wood. “Crystal, there are several reasons, but I don’t have one right now that will satisfy you. I had limited time in which to make a decision on a safe location and this place was on the radar. Money means absolutely nothing to me. Nothing. What I spent on renting this house is a pittance. Just know that I will protect you with my life. I made that decision whether you like it or not.”
I held my tongue. For any other man, I would have called him pompous, even an asshole, but Blade was being heartfelt, in a way trying to be honorable. Perhaps because of the wretched actions he’d taken in his life. “Fine. How long do we have to stay here?”
He shifted from foot to foot, squinting from the bright sun. “As long as it takes.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“That’s the only one I have.” Even in the bright sun, I noticed just how dark his once magnificent green eyes had become, turning into pools of stagnant swamp water, dull and lifeless.
Though the light breeze was warm, I shivered to my core. This wasn’t a game, but it was some kind of vendetta for Blade—conquering the enemy. And I’d fallen into the middle of it. “I’m going down by the water. Don’t worry. I won’t wander off.” I had no idea how a man could turn off his emotions that easily, just a simple flip of a switch. Jericho had been extremely emotional, enraged one second then giddy the next. I waited on purpose to see if Blade would say anything, share more of his thoughts, but as usual, there was a distant silence. Shielding my eyes from the sun, I concentrated on enjoying the way Zorro romped in the surf, barking as he rushed back and forth.
If only everything could be so lighthearted.
“Why did you leave Jericho?” Blade asked, almost casually.
“Why?” I asked then shot him an incredulous look. “You mean other than the fact he was an abusive monster?”
“You knew that as soon as you moved in, yet you stayed with him. What event occurred to make you leave?”
I sucked in my breath, trying hard to keep the anger out of my voice. Why was I so enraged? I had no qualified answer, but I counted to five before answering. “We’ll just say he pushed me too far. I might have lost my way when I fell in love with him, even my dignity, but I refused to lose what was left of my self-respect. That’s something I’m still committed to. Nothing will make me stoop to that level ever again. I certainly hope you understand that.” As I suspected, he didn’t react in any manner. “Fine.” Grumbling, I headed down the stairs, only to be caught by the gripping and very haunted whisper that I could barely hear.
