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I’d give her tonight, but I was still determined to show her it would be safer for everyone, especially her, if she trusted her wolf. Trusted me. That being here in Blackwood Creek was the best thing for her.
My chest tightened at the thought of her running again—this time, from me.
I wouldn’t be able to handle that.
Chapter19
Tori
After showering the next morning, I gaped at my reflection in the mirror. Ridge had covered me with bite marks. It took twenty minutes to cover up the most visible of them, but if somebody were to look close enough, they’d know exactly what the marks were. I only had one shirt with a high enough collar to cover them, or else I would have run out of the makeup I bought yesterday.
I groaned irritably. Having to be in the spotlight with Ridge meant I’d have to dress up from time to time, and I didn’t want to waste the money I was saving on freaking makeup.
All my reasoning still didn’t stop the butterflies in my stomach from seeing the marks, and I couldn’t control the satisfaction rolling off my wolf. Or shut her up when she growled at me for covering the love bites that plastered my skin. She wanted me to show off my skin and be proud. I’d never understand that.
I stomped down the street as I made my way into town. I did not want to face Ridge. It didn’t matter that I wasn’t working an early shift; I much preferred the idea of sitting in the middle of the town square than coming face to face with the man. Not with last night’s steamy moments still fresh on my mind. Last night had been epic for me, and as if to prove it, I couldn’t think straight today. I’d started walking out of habit instead of grabbing the keys and taking the Range Rover.
When Ridge caught up with me later, I wouldn’t be surprised if he had something to say about it. Who was I kidding? Of course, he’d have something to say. He was a man used to getting his way.
My wolf was very satisfied, and I couldn’t blame her. The residual ache between my legs was sensational. Just the thought of it made my clit tingle and demand more. Not gonna happen.
It should never have happened at all. That part of our arrangement, relationship, whatever you would call it, was over. It had to be over. Last night was the absolute last time I’d give in to how incredibly attractive and addicting Ridge was. It was too dangerous. I was already getting too close to being irreversibly attached to him.
I’d never been with a man for more than one night, and I should have known better than to let last night happen. I couldn’t even blame my wolf, because as much as she’d enjoyed it, she hadn’t pushed for it. No, that had been all me. It couldn’t happen again. I couldn’t deal with a broken heart on top of the hunters. And let’s face it, Ridge was way out of my league, and he’d eventually be done with me. He only had to snap his talented fingers, and the next bitch in heat would be all too happy to fall into his bed. My heart wouldn’t stand that.
I also couldn’t forget that I’d very likely committed murder when the wild monster had been on the loose. Not to mention the fact that the hunters could pick up my trail, and I’d have to leave without notice at any moment.
The happily-ever-afters in novels didn’t play into my future, not if I wanted to survive. But I couldn’t deny that I’d thought more about my happily-ever-after since arriving here than I’d ever done before Blackwood Creek. Before Ridge.
The town was lively this morning, and all the shops were beginning to open. I passed the library, where Mrs. Marrow was getting ready to start the day.
I watched her momentarily, feeling a sense of gratitude toward the woman. The older librarian was one of the few people in town to politely give me space since the murder and the engagement announcement. I also couldn’t forget how she’d stuck up for me when one of the Magpies and the Greenthornes accused me of killing the deputy.
Figuring the charming library would probably be a safe place at the moment, a place where I’d be left alone, I wandered over. Since the library was directly across the street from The Tipsy Tavern, it made sense that the librarian had shown up at the bar so quickly.
“Good morning, Mrs. Marrow. How are you?”
The library was empty of patrons but full of books. The small building was crammed with as many books as possible, with not one place that wasn’t utilized to hold a book. Even the tables had books lined down the middle, and the comfortable sitting chairs had side tables stacked with them.
“I’m well, thank you. Are you looking for anything in particular? If you want a romance on the spicier side, I have my favorites hidden by the front desk. Just let me know, and you can take a peek to see if any catch your attention.”
The sheepish smile and glint in her eye made her look adorable. She acted as if she had done something wrong but wanted to share her guilty pleasure, anyway.
I chuckled. “No, thanks. Maybe next time.”
“Okay, dear. There are some good ones, though.” She bounced her shoulders playfully.
I laughed harder. She was a little kooky, and I liked that. “Mrs. Marrow, you must have a great view of the bar from here.” I glanced out the windows from the front counter where we stood. “I hope it isn’t rude for me to ask, but were you here the morning the deputy was killed?”
Sadness washed over her face, and I kicked myself for bringing it up. She sighed as she leaned against the desk, as if the mere thought of the incident had sapped her of strength.
“I do have a great view of the shenanigans that go on over there,” she said. “I’ve always tried not to pay it too much mind. A lot of it happens after the library is closed, so I don’t catch everything, but I could just kick myself because I didn’t see a darn thing that morning. I was out back refilling my bird feeder when I heard Audrey scream. I didn’t know what to make of it. I’m ashamed to say I thought the poor, spoiled brat was throwing another one of her temper tantrums after someone told her no or something.”
I snorted. Audrey was well-known for her spoiled little rich girl act, and her temper tantrums, it seemed, were common.
“Believe me when I tell you I was shocked it wasn’t just one of her episodes. The whole thing is just so…well, shocking. Phil was such a little rascal growing up. He always ran in here and nicked all the taffy.” She pointed to a bowl at the corner of her desk, full of taffy. A sign next to it said, “Help yourself,” then in smaller letters beneath, “Please be considerate.”
“He came in every day after school. I always tried to stop him, but he was such a smart boy. The only way to stop him would have been to not have it out for people anymore. I didn’t want to do that, so I played along. I ended up buying extra, still do after all these years. When he did his rounds, he’d come in and pocket several. Pretending that I didn’t know what he was doing.” Mrs. Marrow sniffled as her eyes strayed to the bowl and stayed there for a moment. “I guess I don’t need to buy extra anymore.”
