Page 15 of Vegas Baby

“Of course,” I reply.

“I was also thinking I should find another living situation. Maybe one of the … services you suggested?” She looks down at her drink, avoiding eye contact.

I shift in my chair, concerned I’ve done something to make her want to leave.

“Uh, sure, of course, whatever you want. But I mean, you’re welcome to stay with me until you get back on your feet.” It’s not what I’d originally planned, but suddenly the thought of her leaving is unbearable. My chest tightens with the realization, but I also recognize I’m pushing my own selfish agenda in trying to keep her around. “Though I get you probably want to be out on your own. Whatever you want.” And now I’m repeating myself like a moron.

Thankfully, one of the employees drops off our burgers, so I’m spared making a bigger ass of myself while we dig in. And holy hell is it just as good as I remember. A thick, juicy patty with two types of cheese, bacon, onion, chili peppers, and all the trimmings.

“Oh my god,” Kira groans after her first bite, juices from the meat dribbling down her chin.

I grin despite my full mouth. She rolls her eyes with delight and takes another huge bite. It doesn’t take either of us long to devour the giant burgers and the giant piles of fries that came with them. I’m impressed someone so tiny could take down a meal so huge no problem.

As the carb overload sets in, we chat about other, less serious topics. Where else Kira hasn’t been in the area she needs to go. Her other favorite foods. What chick flick we should watch tonight. It’s nice. And as we walk back along the harbor, with her arms now gently entwined with mine, it feels more like a date than anything else. God, I wish.

“So … are we feeding the fish?” I ask slyly.

She scrunches her nose. “Okay.”

I steer her into a shop a bit down the path, and we get a bag of popcorn then head to the spot the kids had occupied earlier. The fish are still thick in the water, clearly waiting for their next meal.

Kira settles in, legs folded under her, before tossing a handful of food to them. She laughs with delight as the carp writhe and flop over each other, battling for the tiny morsels. I settle in beside her, watching her. The joy on her face is captivating.

When she’s run out of treats for her new fishy friends, she leans back, looking out over the water.

“I messaged Andrei today. I told him I’m not coming back, and he needs to leave me alone.”

I sit up to attention, taken aback by how abruptly and casually she dropped the information. But I have no idea what to say about it.

She turns to me, her dark eyes troubled. “It’s why I should leave, Sebastian. He will find me. And I cannot bring that to your doorstep. Not after everything you’ve done for me.”

My heart sinks. Before I can stop myself, I lean forward, cupping her face in my palm. “All the more reason you should stay. How can I protect you if you’re not with me?” I didn’t mean to say it, even if it’s what I feel. Because it reveals too much.

She closes her eyes and nuzzles into my palm. “I will manage. He only knows where I work, and I can be … careful where that is concerned. You’ve done enough. You do not need to take on the burden of protecting me more than you already have.”

I stroke my thumb over her cheek, and she opens her eyes. “And if I want to?”

Her lips part. Her eyes search mine. “Why?” she whispers. “You barely know me.”

I shake my head. “I may have met you only a week ago, but from the moment you opened your eyes, I felt like I knew you. Even though you have so much to deal with right now, and I don’t want to scare you off … I care about you. I want to be here for you, in whatever way you’ll let me.”

A sigh escapes her lips, and then they’re on mine. Soft and supple and warm. The taste of her has me wanting to thread my fingers through her hair, pull her to me, and claim her. But I hold back. And when she pulls away, I’m left feeling like her kiss was everything and yet not enough.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have. I … I can’t …” she trails off, her voice catching, the conflicting emotions obvious in those expressive eyes of hers.

I run a thumb over her bottom lip and then let her go, sitting back. “We don’t have to start anything now. Whatever this —” I gesture between us “— is can wait until you’re healed and in your own place. I don’t want you to feel any pressure from me, so you know you can stay. This can wait. I can wait. But what I can’t do is let you face your recovery — and your ex — alone.”

Kira’s lips droop into a frown that makes me want to kiss it away. God, I want to kiss her again so badly. To show her how much I care for her, want her, need her.

“I don’t deserve you,” she murmurs. “But I accept your offer. Gratefully.”

I take a deep breath and rise, extending my hand to help her up. “Let’s go home.”

Kira takes my hand and rises. She pauses as if she wants to say something, but nothing comes out. I stare at her, the force of what she does to me hitting me fully, my heart aching with everything I want. For myself, for her, for what happens next. But instead of saying what’s on my mind, I lace my fingers in hers and we walk slowly back.

The drive is silent but not uncomfortable. When we get back, there’s no talk of watching a movie. There’s hardly any talk at all. She simply bids me goodnight and goes into the bedroom. When the light goes out a moment later, I walk to the door, place my hand on it, and silently pray.

11

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