Page 26 of Mysterious Mate

Willow shrugged. “A little. You?”

“Not much,” he admitted.

She looked at him then, her eyes searching his face. “I’m sorry about last night,” she said softly. “I didn’t mean to unload on you like that.”

Cage shook his head. “Don’t apologize. I’m glad you told me.”

She sighed, running a hand through her hair. “It’s just... sometimes the past feels so close, like it’s right there, waiting to drag me back.”

“I get it,” Cage said quietly. “But you’re not alone, Willow. You’ve got people who care about you, who want to help.”

She looked down at her coffee, her fingers tracing the rim of the mug. “It’s hard to believe that sometimes.”

Cage reached across the table, placing his hand over hers. “Believe it,” he said firmly. “We’re here for you. I’m here for you.”

For a moment, she looked like she might cry again, but she took a deep breath and nodded. “Thank you, Cage. That means a lot.”

He squeezed her hand gently before letting go. “Anytime.”

They spent the rest of the morning together, talking about lighter things, trying to push the darkness away. Willow seemed to brighten a little, and Cage felt a small sense of relief. But he knew it would take more than one conversation to heal the wounds her ex had inflicted.

As the day wore on, Cage found himself watching Willow more closely. She moved through the house with a grace that belied her inner turmoil, but he could see the shadows lurking in her eyes. He wanted to do more, to be there for her in ways he couldn’t fully explain.

That afternoon, they found themselves back by the pool. Willow lay on a lounge chair, a book in her hands, while Cage sat nearby, pretending to read but really just keeping an eye on her.

“You’re staring,” Willow said without looking up from her book.

Cage chuckled. She caught you dipshit. She was far more observant that any of them gave her credit for. He reminded himself that it had been her ability to hide her intellect that had allowed her to gather evidence against Carlyle and the League and put her in danger in the first place. Their underestimating her would be their undoing. “Just making sure you’re okay.”

She glanced at him, a small smile on her lips. “I’m fine, Cage. Really.”

He nodded, though he wasn’t entirely convinced. “If you need anything, you know where to find me.”

“I know,” she said softly. “Thank you.”

They lapsed into a comfortable silence, the afternoon sun warming their skin. For a moment, it felt like everything was okay, like they could just enjoy the simple pleasure of each other’s company.

As evening approached, they headed back inside to get ready for dinner. This time, Willow chose a simple sundress, the soft fabric flowing around her as she moved. She still looked beautiful, but there was a vulnerability about her that Cage couldn’t ignore.

Dinner was a quiet affair, the usual banter replaced by a more subdued atmosphere. Cage couldn’t help but watch Willow, his heart aching for her. He wanted to reach out, to bridge the gap between them, but he didn’t know how.

After dinner, they sat on the patio, the cool night air a welcome respite from the day’s heat. Willow had a glass of wine, and Cage sipped a beer, the silence between them heavy but not uncomfortable.

“Do you ever wonder what it would be like to just... start over?” Willow asked suddenly, her voice thoughtful.

Cage considered her question, his mind racing. “Yeah,” he said finally. “I do.”

She nodded, her eyes distant. “Sometimes I think about what my life would be like if I’d made different choices. If I hadn’t married him, if I’d been stronger...”

“Don’t blame yourself, Willow,” Cage said gently. “You did what you had to do to survive.”

She looked at him, her eyes filled with pain. “But at what cost?”

Cage reached out, taking her hand in his. “You’re here now. That’s what matters.”

She squeezed his hand, her grip firm. “Thank you, Cage. For everything.”

“Always,” he replied, his voice sincere.

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