Page 30 of Wicked Obsession

“It’s morning then?” At Ryder’s nod, Langley asked, “Monday?”

“Monday,” he confirmed. “You slept about fifteen hours. You’re limping. How are your feet?”

“Better—sore but better—thanks.”

“Wrists?” Ryder asked, taking her hand and lifting her arm so he could get a closer look. “Definitely not as bad as I thought they’d be when I saw them Saturday night.”

He continued to hold her hand and Langley had to convince herself to extricate it. “I think I’ll pass on the instant oatmeal, tempting though it might be, and see what else is available.”

The refrigerator was full of fresh ingredients that she’d have to do something with if shewanted to eat. She closed the fridge and checked out the pantry. Langley paused inside the doorway and admired the layout. There was a center island, a row of shelves and drawers on her left, and a long counter on her right with several small appliances visible against the backsplash only because the pull-up cabinet doors hadn’t been closed. A wine refrigerator with a glass front was tucked next to a sink and a mini fridge was beside that.

Lost in admiration, it took her a moment to realize the pantry was fully stocked as well. When she spotted syrup and bread, an idea occurred to her. Perhaps she’d try French toast. She grabbed the bottle and a loaf and turned.

Ryder blocked the doorway.

“Excuse me,” she said.

Of course, he didn’t move. Langley sighed. “Will you please stand aside? I’d like to eat.”

“Langley, let’s talk.”

From the tone of his voice, she knew it would be personal, and not about the threat against her. This wasn’t a conversation she wanted to have, not today. After everything that had happened, she felt vulnerable. “I’m not discussing anything in the pantry,” Langley said, keeping her tone pleasant with effort.

“If I let you out of here, I’ll end up chasingyou around the house, trying to talk with you.” Ryder shook his head.

He moved closer and Langley brought the bread up, using the loaf like a shield. If he touched her, she’d melt into him and she didn’t want to be that weak. “That’s close enough,” she warned him.

Ryder stopped, frowned briefly, and said absolutely nothing.

Langley waited. She wanted to prod him, but if she did that, she’d tip her hand about how difficult it was for her to stand this close without reaching out to touch him. There was no chance she’d let him have that information. She waited some more.

About the time she was beginning to wonder if Ryder was simply going to stare at her the entire morning, he said, “I’m sorry.”

She expected him to say more, but he didn’t. “Sorry for what?”

“Everything.”

That definitely was a blanket apology. “Everything? You mean you’re sorry someone has threatened me? Sorry someone kidnapped me? Sorry someone shot at me? Sorry we need to hide out?”

“None of that.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“Okay, yeah, I’m sorry about those things, butI’m not apologizing for them because I’m not responsible for any of that.” Ryder ran his hand over the back of his neck before meeting her eyes and saying with careful deliberation. “I’m sorry about the times I changed the subject when you talked about the Paladin League. I didn’t listen, but I should have because it’s important to you. I promise not to do that again.”

Langley didn’t say anything, certain that he hadn’t finished speaking.

“Well?” Ryder prompted.

“Well, what?”

“Did you want to tell me something about the Paladin League?”

“At the moment, no. It’s not at the forefront of my mind. If that’s it…?” She let her voice trail off, hopeful he’d take the hint and move aside, but he didn’t. “There’s more then?”

“You’re not making it easy for me.”

A retort was on the tip of her tongue, but Langley swallowed the words. “So sorry,” she said instead, careful to keep the sarcasm from her voice. Ryder smiled sheepishly and she suspected that he knew her well enough that he hadn’t needed her tone to tip him off.

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