Page 42 of Axe-ing for Trouble
Arms folded, I kicked at the ground, reining in my anger. All this time, I’d assumed she was safe and sound, but in reality, she had been running around the woods with one arm and my dog?
“Why?” I threw my arms out and let them fall to my sides. “Why did you lie to me? If you’d told me about the phone, I could have been helping.”
She turned and continued her way down the trail. I followed, still trying to wrap my mind around this development as the sky above grew darker.
Was this the rock-solid evidence she’d told Parker about? Had it all gone missing?
“Mila,” I said, rushing to catch up again.
She wheeled around, her eyes filled with tears. “I’ve got nothing. Is that what you want to hear? That I gave up a year of my life for nothing? That I thought I was an investigative journalist, but it turns out I’m nothing but an idiot who lucked out and got close, only to fuck it all up?”
She stomped away, wiping at her eyes.
Heart lurching, I jogged to catch up. “You’re not an idiot.”
“I sure as shit feel like one. Can we go home? Please?”
With a nod, I fell back and let her lead the way back through the state park. The whole way, her shoulders remained slumped, tempting me to console her.
Instead, I kept my hands to myself and my mouth shut.
I should be angry about the lies. I should be frustrated that she’d put herself in danger.
But all I felt was admiration. This woman was fierce and fearless.
The closer we got to the house, the firmer my resolve to help her became.
While she showered, I built a fire and got started on dinner. I’d never been good with words, and as I heated up soup and sliced bread, I struggled with how to explain my thoughts in a way she’d understand. How to tell her that whatever she needed, I was in. That she could trust me. That I would see this through with her.
After silently slurping soup in front of the warm fire for several minutes, she wiped her mouth with a napkin and said, “I owe you an apology. You could have kicked me out or called the cops. Instead, you opened your home to me, and you’ve taken care of me.” She swallowed thickly. “And I really adore your dog.”
Ripley lifted her head from where she was curled up in front of the fire.
“So please know how grateful I am for all of that when I say that I’m losing my shit, Jude.” She stirred her soup, her gaze averted. “I should have told you the truth. I know that. But I can’t rest. Not while those men are out there.” When she finally lifted her head, her face was gaunt, her eyes ringed with dark circles. “I’ve got to stop them.”
“Your plan was riskier than necessary. Sneaking out of my house and running around the woods alone wasn’t wise,” I snapped. “Like it or not, your body needs the rest.”
She stood abruptly, brows pulled low and her good hand on her hip. “You’re being an overprotective caveman.”
I had to stifle a smile. Her attitude was adorable.
“I wish. Do you have any idea how much easier my life would be if I could club you over the head and drag you home? Chasing you around, trying to keep you safe, is exhausting.”
“I can’t live any other way.” She huffed. “This is how I’m wired. Ever since I was a kid. And it’s exhausting for me too most days. Trust me.” Her body deflated a little. “I don’t want this. I don’t want to single-handedly try to take down an international opiate trafficking ring.”
I stood, set my bowl down, and padded toward her. “So don’t do it alone.”
Her eyes widened as I got close and flared when I ran my knuckles along the edge of her jaw, then cupped her face.
“Let me do it with you,” I whispered.
“Who are you?” she asked, and I swore she leaned into my touch a little bit. “My knight in shining armor?”
I leaned closer, unable to fight the pull of her atmosphere. “I’m just the guy who wants to protect you.”
“Why do you care?”
My breathing picked up, and hers did too. With each inhale, our chests came dangerously close to touching.
