Page 36 of Watch Me Burn
We stand in silence for a moment, watching the elegant crowd swirl around us. A string quartet plays in one corner while couples dance on the polished floor. The tension from earlier has dissolved, replaced by something that feels like an understanding between us.
“Can I ask you something?”
“Shoot.”
“Earlier, you said Damien doesn’t let people close. What about you? You seem just as guarded.”
His laugh is rueful. “Occupational hazard. When your job is keeping someone safe, you learn to see threats everywhere.”
“That must be exhausting.”
“It can be.” He drains his whiskey. “But some people are worth protecting.”
I think about my wolf again, the secrets I keep to protect him, the lies I’ve told Karen, and the darkness I’ve discovered in myself.
“I understand that feeling.”
Cade’s eyes sharpen, and I cringe. The alcohol is making my tongue too loose. A commotion near the entrance draws our attention. A small crowd gathers around a distinguished man with silver hair.
“Looks like the governor’s arrived. Damien will want to speak with him.”
I scan the room until I spot Damien still deep in conversation with Denver's mayor and several other men in suits. Even across the crowded ballroom, he’s magnetic—commanding attention without effort.
“He looks like he’s in his element, but he hates every second of this, doesn’t he?”
“He would rather eat glass. But he does it for the animals. He’s become even more passionate about them since meeting you.”
I blush, grateful for the dim lighting. “You’re quite the confusing wingman, Cade.”
“I don’t peddle in bullshit, Luna. I tell it like it is. Damien’s interest in you is genuine.”
A waiter approaches with a tray of canapés, and I realize I haven’t eaten since this morning. I grab two toast points with something pink smeared on top. The tiny portions of fancy food disappear before I can taste them, making me wish for a real meal.
Cade’s gaze follows another waiter crossing the room before returning to me. “Not much substance to the food at events like this.”
“I keep waiting for the actual dinner part of this party.” I eye another passing tray, and something shifts in Cade’s expression. Not quite a smile, but close.
“There’ll be a five-course meal later, but each course will be smaller than what you’d feed a child. I always eat before these things.”
“Good to know for next time.” The words slip out before I can stop them, and I flush. There’s no guarantee he’ll invite me to one of these events again.
“There will be. A next time.” It’s like he spotted my doubt the moment it surfaced. “Damien’s not letting you go anywhere.”
The steel-edged certainty in those words should raise every warning flag I have. Instead, my heart beats faster, my pulse jumping with what feels like anticipation.
“I’ve never seen him look at anyone the way he looks at you.” Cade pauses, his fingers tracing the rim of his glass in slow circles. The statement feels odd considering he’s only seen us together for less than five minutes. “Damien doesn’t do anything halfway. When he commits to something—or someone—it’s absolute.” He sets the glass down with a soft clink. “The question is whether you’re prepared for that level of devotion.”
I think about my wolf’s hands on my body, the possessive way he touches me, claims me. The way Damien’s eyes follow my every movement when we’re together.
“I’m learning to be.”
“Good.” He nods, and I get the sense I’ve passed whatever test he’s been giving me. “Because he’s going to need someone strong enough to stand beside him, not behind him.”
“Do I strike you as the kind of woman who stands behind anyone?”
“Not at all. The fact that you rehabilitate dangerous animals for a living and you’re going toe-to-toe with me right now makes it clear you can hold your own.” The last traces of his earlier wariness melt away. “Most people find me intimidating.”
“You are. But so am I when the situation calls for it.”
