Page 69 of Return to Me Always

"It's not a fight."

"It is for me."

I actually understood what he was saying. "I get that. I really do."

"I appreciate that." Taking a deep breath, he continued to stare at me, a line forming between his brows as an internal battle waged within. "I need to tell you something..."

"What? What is it?" I asked, my heartbeat taking off at the seriousness of his tone.

Finally, the war was over and Tyler's expression cleared. "I've been dream—"

A rustling sound startled us both into silence. We were not alone here.

Chills shot down my spine as I sensed someone. Not just a tourist. Not just a traveler. But someone else. Sinister. That same awful feeling I had in my dream right before Malcolm appeared.

Oh, my God.Malcolm was here!

Panicking, I met Tyler's eyes, and I knew that he sensed it too. The ruined stones hid us at the moment. But he was near—close—and getting closer.

Tyler pushed me behind him, up against the wall, as he turned to face Malcolm, who suddenly appeared around the crumbling corner. My heart stopped at the sight of him, this man who had sabotaged our lives then hunted us.

His eyes raked my body up and down, and I felt Tyler stiffen in front of me. Not wavering for even a second, Malcolm drew a gun from behind his back, pointing it straight at us.

"Finally," he said. "You two managed to avoid me for way too long. But I knew I'd find you here. Eventually."

"What do you want?" Tyler asked, his voice strained, his hands holding me in place behind him.

"What I've always wanted." Those menacing eyes stared into mine. "Her."

I couldn't help shuddering at his words.What the hell was his obsession with me?

"The only way you'll get her is through my dead body," Tyler said.

"No problem," Malcolm sneered.

No! God, no. I wouldneverlet that happen.

Despite Tyler's grip on my hips, despite his overpowering strength pushing me against the wall, I jutted out from behind him. I couldnotbe responsible for his death, and I knew Malcolm wouldn't hesitate to pull the trigger on Tyler. Hadn't he done so already?

"That's it, Kat. I won't kill him if you come to me," Malcolm said softly.

His voice sounded soothing, almost like he was trying to lure a wild animal to him. And I was the wild animal. My heart beating a frantic rhythm in my chest, I took a few steps forward.

"Don't do it, Ryder," Tyler warned.

Malcolm pointed the gun at Tyler. A couple more steps forward.

"You know you can't trust him," Tyler said, desperation in his voice.

Another two steps. Halfway there.

"Ryder, come on!" Tyler shouted at me as he moved forward now too.

Malcolm glared at him. "Take another step toward me, and I'll shoother," he threatened.

I paused to glance at Tyler, my eyes pleading with him. "Please don't," I said before turning back around toward Malcolm.

Several more steps. I was almost there.

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