Disturbing and sexy at the same time. Why couldn’t I just hate him? How could I be attracted? I was involved with Darryl.
“I hadn’t even noticed.” A lie. I’d checked my phone more than a few times to see if he’d called or texted a reply. A perverse part of me wanted to see if he’d try and reach out so I could smack him down.
His mother launched into some speech in a language I couldn’t hope to follow, and Kane replied, “Say it in English so Naomi can understand.”
“You agreed you’d stay away from her,” hissed his mommy.
“Wouldn’t be the first time I went back on my word.”
His own statement proved he was bad, so why did I tingle?
“There is too much at stake for you to be doing this,” his mother insisted.
“And you are overstepping,” was his reply.
“I will when you are making such a grave mistake.” Mommy dearest wasn’t letting up.
Kane only got more amused, and I finely understood the term supercilious smile. “I will see Naomi if I choose, and you will mind your business about it.”
My turn to have a say. “No, you will not see me. I am not interested in anything involving you.” A lie that ignored my racing pulse.
“Are you sure about that? As I recall, at our last meeting, there remained unresolved issues.”
Way to remind me. I didn’t just have questions about why Kane walked around with a sword. He knew about magic and monsters, like the one that attacked us in the woods. He had answers. I just didn’t know if I could trust him—or myself. My feelings for Kane kept surprising me, mostly because I had some.
“If I wanted your help I would ask.” Left unsaid? I thought about it a few times. I hung up before the phone rang each time. Deleted every text after the first one I sent. I didn’t want to appear desperate.
“It’s not as if he could have answered, given his injuries.” It was his mother who exposed him.
“How badly were you hurt?” I couldn’t help the blurted concern.
“I’m fine,” he said tightly.
“You’re not fine. You shouldn’t even be out of bed.” His mother again spilled more than he wanted to reveal, judging by his expression.
“Would you keep your mouth shut,” he growled. “I wouldn’t have had to leave bed if you’d not taken it upon yourself to meddle in affairs that are none of your business.” His anger vibrated in his tone and posture.
“She’s blinding you to your duty.”
“My duty? You are not in the position to lecture me about duty,” he snarled right back.
Her lips pinched. “You will regret your actions. Mark my words. They won’t be forgotten.” With that, she swept out of my store.
And my smart-ass mouth said, “Wow, I bet family dinners are just a blast at your place.”
4
“Why don’t you join me at the next family dinner to find out?” Kane always had a smooth reply.
“I’m good, thanks. Although you have my condolences. Growing up must have been tons of fun.” With Kane’s mother gone, it left us alone. Me and Kane with only a few feet between us. I already knew he wasn’t the type who believed in social distancing, despite the fact it trended for years after the pandemic. I’d need to get rid of him quick.
“While you might not have seen it, I assure you my mother has my best interests at heart. Mostly because it serves her agenda.”
“What kind of agenda says it’s okay to visit a stranger and call her…” I couldn’t say it and settled for, “A bad name?”
“I’m sorry she confronted you. It’s why I followed her the moment I heard.”
And his mother gave him shit for that, too. I eyed him. “How badly are you still hurt?” And why did I feel guilty I’d not checked in on him? The man saved my life. He didn’t answer one text and I’d assumed he’d been ignoring me instead of considering the possibility he couldn’t respond.
“I’ll live.”
“That’s not an answer. Where were you hurt?”
“Is this your less-than-subtle attempt to remove my clothing? You know, all you have to do is ask.” He practically purred the words.
I was tempted. Curious. What did he look like under those layers? Today he wore a dark bomber jacket over an open-necked button shirt tucked into jeans. It was the most casual I’d seen him. His hair wasn’t as perfect as usual. The lines on his face spoke of fatigue.
I should send him home, and yet, I