Page 35 of Watch Me Burn
“I handle whatever needs handling. Damien’s brilliant, but he gets… focused. He needs someone to manage the details while he’s busy changing the world.” There’s affection in his voice, but something else too. Worry, maybe?
“That sounds like a big responsibility.”
“Not really. He’s a good man, Luna.” Cade’s expression grows serious. “Better than he gives himself credit for.”
The intensity in his voice surprises me. There’s real emotion there, controlled but unmistakable. “You really care about him.”
“He’s family. The only family I have besides my daughter.” His jaw tightens. “That’s why I’m protective of him. And why I need to know that anyone in his life has his best interests at heart.”
My breath catches. This casual conversation suddenly feels less casual.
“Ahh. So that’s what this is? You vetting me, Cade?”
“Not exactly.” He takes a measured sip of his whiskey, those eyes never leaving mine. “There isn’t one thing I or anyone on this planet could say that would change Damien’s mind about you. He’s quite smitten.”
“So, what do you want to know? Are you asking if my intentions are honorable?”
“Something like that.”
I finish my whiskey and set the glass down. “I care about Damien. More than I should, considering we haven’t known each other long. But I’m not after his money, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
“Money’s the least of my concerns.” His gaze doesn’t waver. “Damien doesn’t let people close. On the rare occasions he does, it’s significant.”
A defensive prickle runs through me. “I get the feeling you don’t approve of my being here.”
Cade signals the bartender for another round. “It’s not about approval. It’s about what happens when you step into his world. It can be complicated.”
“Complicated how?”
He hands me a fresh glass, his fingers brushing mine. They’re calloused and scarred, hands that have seen violence and hard use. “Let’s just say Damien often has dealings with certain types of people. Not the kind you meet at charity galas. You get close to him, you’re exposed to that world whether you want to be or not.”
The temperature in the room hasn’t changed, but goosebumps pebble along my arms anyway.
“Are you trying to scare me?”
“I’m trying to prepare you.” His voice is gentle but firm. “If you’re going to be in his life, you need to understand what that means.”
“I’m stronger than I look.”
“I’m beginning to see that.” He studies me over his glass. “Tell me about your sanctuary. Damien says you’re doing important work there.”
The change of subject is deliberate, giving us both a chance to step back from the intensity. My shoulders relax as we move to safer ground.
“We rehabilitate injured and abused wildlife and provide sanctuary for animals that can’t be released. Nothing glamorous, but it matters.” I smile, thinking about Maren at home with Ricky.
“Can’t be easy work.”
“It’s not always easy, no. But these animals deserve advocates, people willing to fight for them when they can’t fight for themselves.”
“That’s exactly what Damien said you’d say.”
“He talks about me?”
“I told you, he speaks of little else.” His expression shifts, and the wariness fades from his eyes. “He’s different since he met you. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him this… invested in someone.”
Warmth spreads through my chest, though his word choice is a little odd. “I enjoy spending time with him too.”
“Good. He deserves that.”
