Page 24 of Rampage

The intensity in his eyes makes my breath catch. There's something powerful about having someone this determined fighting for you, someone who believes you without question.

"Why do you care so much?" I ask, the question that's been burning inside me since he first showed interest. "You barely know me."

Reid's expression softens. "Sometimes you just know when someone matters." His thumb traces circles on the back of my hand. "From that first day I saw you at the diner, something about you called to me. The way you held yourself, scared but strong. I wanted to know your story. I wanted to be part of it."

His honesty disarms me completely. There's no guile in his face, no hidden agenda I can detect. Just a man who sees something in me that I've been too afraid to see in myself.

"I'm not used to this," I confess. "To someone wanting to protect me instead of hurt me."

"I know," he says. "That's why I've been trying to take it slow. But with everything that's happened today…" He sighs, running a hand through his hair. "The stakes just got higher, Lily. And I need you to know that I'm all in. Whatever happens, I've got your back."

The weight of his declaration settles over me. It should feel suffocating, this intensity from someone I've only just begun to know. Instead, it feels like stepping into sunlight after years in shadow.

"Okay," I say finally. "I'll come to the meeting tonight."

Relief washes over his face. "Thank you. For trusting me that much, at least."

I nod, suddenly exhausted again. "Will you stay? Just until I fall asleep?"

"Of course," he replies, shifting to sit with his back against the headboard. "Get some rest. I'll be right here."

I lie down, curling on my side facing him. His presence is comforting, solid. As my eyes grow heavy, I feel his hand gently stroke my hair.

"Sleep, darlin'," he murmurs. "I won't let anything happen to you."

As I drift toward unconsciousness, I believe him. For the first time in years, I feel truly safe.

The club meeting looms ahead, but with Reid beside me, I find myself more curious than afraid. Whatever comes next, I won't be facing it alone.

That knowledge carries me into sleep, dreamless and deep.

The room is bathed in the golden light of early evening. I'm lying in my bed, a blanket tucked carefully around me. For a moment, I think Reid has left, but then I spot him sitting in my single chair by the window, watching the street below.

He turns when he hears me stir. "Hey," he says softly. "Feel any better?"

I nod, sitting up slowly. "What time is it?"

"Almost six." He moves to sit beside me on the bed. "Hungry?"

Now that he mentions it, I realize I haven't eaten since breakfast. "Starving, actually."

"Good. I ordered food from the diner. Should be here soon." He studies my face. "You've got some color back."

I run a hand through my tangled hair, suddenly self-conscious. "I must look a mess."

"You look beautiful," he tells me, the sincerity in his voice making me blush.

A knock at the door interrupts whatever I might have said in response. Reid tenses instinctively, his hand moving to his waist where I notice, for the first time, the outline of what must be a concealed weapon.

"It's just Deb with the food," I say quickly.

He relaxes slightly but still approaches the door with caution, checking through the peephole before opening it.

Deb bustles in with a large bag of food, giving me an appraising look. "You look better, hon. Sleep helped?"

I nod, the smell of food making my stomach growl audibly.

"I've got burgers, fries, and milkshakes," she announces, setting the bag on my small table. "Comfort food."

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