Page 55 of Shadows of You

“I don’t want anyone else to know. It’s hard enough that you’re going to tell Law. I just—it makes people look at me differently. And the more people who know, the easier it’ll be for it to get out, even if they don’t mean to slip up.”

It was already sending me into a panic that Roan knew. The fact that he was so quiet helped. He wasn’t a chatterbox. Didn’t get loose lips.

Roan sighed. “Fine. We’ll start with Law.”

“Thank you,” I breathed.

His steely blue gaze met mine. “Just want to make sure you’re safe.”

My breath caught in my lungs. I couldn’t inhale or exhale. I’d wanted that for so long, someone to care what happened to me. If I lived or died. If I was all right. And here Roan was, handing that care to me as if it were the easiest thing in the world.

The gift was dangerous. Because all I wanted was more.

17

ROAN

Gravel crunchedunder my tires as I pulled to a stop in front of the hillside house. It looked complete from the outside, but I knew from talking to Holt and Wren that they still had a ways to go on the inside. That finishing work could take forever.

It was early, but a couple of the construction crew’s vehicles, and Holt’s fancy-ass SUV were around. I turned off my truck and hopped out.

Holt was talking to his friend, Chris, who was also the contractor on the project. He glanced at me with a grin. “What do you think?”

“Looks good.”

Holt shook his head, a smile still in place. “He’s so verbose.”

Chris chuckled as he extended a hand to me. “How ya doin’, Roan?”

“Good.”

Chris just grinned wider. “I’ll see you inside, Holt.”

Holt sighed as he turned to me. “You know, most people ask how the other person is.”

My brow knitted. “I hate small talk.”

“I’m well aware.” He shook his head again. “So, what’s up that required a seven a.m. meeting?”

I toed a piece of gravel with my boot. “You still got the hookup with Halo security systems?”

Holt’s eyes flared. “Sure. Anchor uses them for all our jobs. I can call Cain if I need to place an order for components. What do you need?”

I hesitated for a moment. “I want to put in a system at Aspen’s.”

That grin was back on Holt’s face, but it was more mischievous this time. “You two seem to be spending a lot of time together.”

“It’s not like that. I’m just helping her out with a few things. She’s a good woman.” Too good for the darkness that swirled around me.

Holt’s smile slipped. “Everything okay?”

I jerked my head in a nod. I wouldn’t tell Holt without Aspen’s go-ahead. I couldn’t do that to her. “She just lives a ways out of town. Has a kid. She should have a system.”

“You’re right. I can call and get the order in today.”

“Send me the bill,” I told him.

Holt arched a brow.

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