mouth. “Very nice.” She swallowed, her cheeks turning pink. “But there’s only one bed.”
“I know.” He indicated the couch. “That makes into a bed. I’ll bunk there.”
Relief palpable, she nodded.
He glanced at his watch. “We have about an hour until they’ll expect us back at the main house for dinner. Do you want to freshen up or take a nap or...”
“What are you going to do?”
“I’m not sure.” If he’d been alone, he’d already have turned and headed back to the house to be with his family. But since he knew this would be rough enough on her as it was, he wouldn’t ask that of her. Nor would he leave her alone. Until the missing Sanctuary members were arrested, he didn’t plan to let Lilly Gideon out of his sight.
“I think I’d like to take a walk,” she said, surprising him. “After so long in the car, my legs could use a bit of a hike.”
“Sounds like a plan.” Crossing to the door, he held it open. “After you.”
She didn’t move. “If you don’t mind, I’d like to be alone.”
Compassion warred with common sense. “I’m sorry, but right now that’s not a good idea.”
He expected her to argue. Or maybe just challenge his statement. Instead, she dipped her chin in a sort of resigned acceptance and moved past him. He fought the urge to take her arm, and only the knowledge that she wouldn’t have made it so long if she wasn’t a fighter, kept him from demanding she try harder for what she wanted.
“How about I stay a bit behind you?” he offered. “Give you some space without leaving you completely alone?”
All the light had faded from her eyes, leaving them as dark as a storm. “Suit yourself.”
So he did. Since she hadn’t indicated a preference, he remained right by her side. Unspeaking, yet close enough to touch.
They’d barely gone a quarter mile when she stopped and rounded on him. “I understand you take this guarding me thing seriously,” she began, “but I barely know you.”
“You will,” he said softly. “And, yes, I do take keeping you safe very seriously.”
Her expressive face revealed a combination of frustration and determination. “I’m used to being alone. Even when I was staying with Lucas and Blythe, they were kind enough to give me some space.”
“No worries. You’ll have your liberty again, once those last three Sanctuary people are caught. Until then, I’m afraid you’re going to have to put up with me. I’ll be keeping you very, very close.”
Jerking her head in a stiff nod, she turned and walked briskly away. He almost laughed, well aware of what she was trying to do. She didn’t realize his long stride would enable him to effortlessly catch up to her without him having to run. If he wanted to, that is. He’d offered to give her as much space as he could, and that’s what he intended to do. At least for right now.
So he dropped back, keeping his distance, and tried to ignore the enticing sway of her hips as he followed behind.
* * *
Lilly fumed, hating the way that once again, she had absolutely no control over her life. Even though she couldn’t help but admire Kane’s steadfast determination and his attempt to give her a small modicum of privacy, his refusal to let her walk alone angered and frustrated her.
Of course it didn’t help her mood that she’d be paralyzed with terror if he actually did set her loose.
So she strode off, her fast pace practically daring him to keep up. A few offhand glances over her shoulder revealed he didn’t seem to be having any trouble. She walked and walked, at first thinking she’d go until the path ended. Eventually she realized the trails apparently crisscrossed the woods for miles. Defeated yet again, she spun around and motored on past him, refusing to look at him even though she knew she was acting childish. After all, none of this was his fault.
Back at the cabin, she found herself still jumpy and out of sorts. She’d thought a good hike through the woods might soothe her—nature often did. But instead, she’d been ever conscious of the large man walking behind her, ready to rush to her side at the slightest threat and defend her. Her conflicted emotions about this didn’t do anything to help improve her state of mind.
Part of her liked the way having him near made her feel protected. But part of her hated the necessity. She liked that he’d said he’d teach her to protect herself. As soon as they were settled in, she’d demand he make good on that promise.
Meanwhile, there was the dinner with his family to get through.
She didn’t know why she felt so nervous about everything. The jangling rawness angered her, made her wish she could be a different person. After all, these were just regular people. They weren’t going to shackle her to a machine and send volts of electricity coursing through her system. Having dinner with Kane’s family shouldn’t matter—a simple meal would be minor compared to the numerous atrocities she’d suffered at the hands of her father’s minions in her fifteen years of captivity.
Thinking this helped. She squared her shoulders, dragged a brush through the tangle of her long hair and headed out into the living area where Kane waited.
He gave her a long look, and then offered his arm. “Are you ready?”
Forcing herself to move forward, she hesitated, just short of touching him. “Are we walking?”
“We can.” His cheerful smile struck a chord of warmth inside her. “Though we might need a flashlight to make it back. There are no streetlights here, just cabin lights.”
She frowned, trying to decide.
“Or we can drive,” he added. “Whichever is easiest on you.”
“Let’s walk.” More time to get herself psyched. “I don’t mind a flashlight later.” And she took his arm, the warmth of his skin sending a flush of warmth into her hand.
The woods were beautiful, a leafy canopy through which slashes of sky teased the eye. The gravel crunched under their feet as they made their way back toward the main house.
They’d just rounded the last turn, passing by the first four cabins, when a childish shout rang out. Kane shot her a rueful smile. “We’ve been spotted.”
She couldn’t help but tense. Her unease must have communicated itself to him through her hand.
“It’s okay,” he said. “They’re only children.”
The words had barely left his mouth when they were surrounded by kids of all ages and sizes.
“Uncle Kane!” They attached themselves to Kane, full of a joyous exuberance that made Lilly smile. One of the little girls, seeing the smile, shyly tugged on Lilly’s shirt.
“Hi, I’m Candace,” she said. “I’m five. Are you Uncle Kane’s girlfriend?”
“Um, no.” Despite herself, Lilly blushed. “We’re
