Page 54 of Reclaimed

The chaotic rhythm of my heart doesn’t slow until I have the food plated and waiting on the table. Only once I sit do my shoulders sag as the tension leaks from my fingertips.

Just in time for Aiden to return. Fully clothed.

His stare is heavy as he waits patiently for me to fill my plate. I feel like he’s studying me, but what he’s looking for, I can’t be sure.

“Do you think we jumped into this a little too quickly?” I stab my fork into a slice of pancake and chase my question by shoving it into my mouth.

Aiden wipes his mouth on a napkin. “Jumped into what too quickly?”

“This. Us.” I twirl my fork between us.

“I think your safety is worth what we’re doing.”

“We don’t even know if I’m in any danger. It’s been two weeks and nothing has happened.”

Aiden sets his fork down and leans back. “I knew I shouldn’t have gone into your room last night.”

“It’s not that. I want you in my room. I think that’s the problem.” I can’t look at him while I’m working through this. He has a face made for falling in love.

“Spell it out for me, starshine, because it sounds like you want me to pack my things and go. And I’ll be honest, I’d do that for you because you asked me to, but not because I want to. I’d just have to find some other way to keep you safe until we know there’s no longer a threat.”

“Why do you have to be so sweet?”

“I’m not trying to be sweet, but if you think so, then I guess that’s just who I am. Now why don’t you tell me exactly what’s going on in your head so I can help you sort through it.”

I glide my tongue over a raspberry stain on my lip. “I don’t want you to hurt me, and when this is over, no matter how much I try to keep you at a distance, I think it’s still going to hurt.”

His expression falls as if I slapped him. “I’d never intentionally hurt you. What did I do to give you that impression?”

“A history of crappy men set the standard, I’m sorry to say.”

His eyes darken. “In what way?”

Shaking my head, I spear another bite. “Nothing like that. Just the typical cheaters, losers, and uncommitted types.”

He runs his tongue over his lower lip as his eyes light with agitation. “I’m not those men.”

I nod. “I know. You have to understand how vulnerable I am right now. My emotions are all over the place because of the pregnancy and this murderer, and then I wake up to you in the morning and it feels like the most natural thing in the world while at the same time like it’s going to disappear like that.” I snap my fingers for emphasis. “And the longer you stay, the more it feels like I won’t be able to handle it when you go.”

“So don’t.”

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t let me go.”

“That’s not really an option right now. I have this baby to think about.”

“You’re in charge here, Isla. I’m just along for the ride. You tell me what you want and I’ll do it. Don’t be afraid to ask.”

“Thank you. I’m sorry.” I smile sadly and spear some more pancake on my fork. “I woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning and let my thoughts get away from me.”

Aiden reaches across the table and taps my hand with his index finger. “We can trade sides if that’ll help.”

I roll my eyes.

“In all honesty,” he picks up his own fork, “even though it doesn’t seem like it, I do still think this is the best course. We can reevaluate whenever you want, but until I hear more about this guy being found, your safety isn’t something to take lightly.”

“I know. With the baby, I agree with you. If it was just me, I’d manage on my own, but I can’t gamble with this little one.” I curl my arm protectively around my belly.

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