Page 129 of Hunters and Prey

“I would, actually.”

He set it back down and stood. “I’ll go get you a mug. Do you take milk and sugar?”

“I do. Thank you.”

Connor gave her a nod and retreated upstairs to the kitchen.

She stood, and shivered. She pulled her kimono even closer to her skin. She took a step backward as a chill entered the room.

She rubbed her arms and looked around.

When Connor returned, he handed her a coffee cup on a saucer with a small silver spoon.

“Thank you.” She accepted it, enjoying the warmth of the cup.

Connor stood there as if waiting for her to try it. He smiled that kind smile he sometimes gave her, the one that made her wonder if he really was just a guy desperate to win her affection. He nodded for her to give it a try.

Cailyn took a cautious sip. Surprise filled her eyes. The flavor was incredible.

“Wow.” She took another sip. “You made this?”

He nodded and picked up his cup. Instead of sitting back in his seat he sat next to her. “I have a secret stash from back home. It’s good, right?”

“It’s great actually.” She drank some more and watched the flames in the fireplace. There was no way she could focus on studying with him sitting next to her.

Another loud thunder crack seemed to shake the house with its intensity. She didn’t know how anyone could sleep through that storm. She imagined Asher sitting up in bed, looking out his window, thinking about her.

Perhaps he slept peacefully, having already forgotten her. That image stung. Was it wrong for her to wish that he was still so broken that he couldn’t sleep at all…just like her? That scenario gave her hope that she could win him back.

Cailyn could only wish that he still even thought about her.

“Does it storm like this often in Haven Cove?”

“At least once a year.”

“I love storms.”

She looked at him. “Me too.”

“Haven Cove is nice,” he said, his voice trailing. He shrugged. “I can see the appeal, but Scotland is beautiful.”

“It sounds lovely.”

“I will bring you to my home there, once you’re ready.”

Cailyn didn’t reply. She wanted to see the world, but with Asher.

As if he’d read her mind, Connor scooted close to her. He put a hand on hers, making her switch her thoughts to something different.

His hand was gentle and warm.

Strong.

Electric.

She fought the heat that filled her whenever he was so close. Every touch, despite how she abhorred him, made her feel weak. She shouldn’t feel that way. It was a betrayal to Asher.

Cailyn had to hate him.

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