if you let me do the talking when we get there. It will move things along smoother.”
“What would I say anyway?”
“Who knows? I just know you do not like to listen to me.”
“I ran because I thought everything you said was a lie.”
“Because Nathaniel made a joke. I am glad you have such confidence in me.”
“You did lure me into the garden.”
“To protect you. All I have done is try to protect you.”
“Thank you.”
“For?”
“Getting rid of those men. I know what they would have done.” I tried to sit up. I didn’t want to hurt his ribs.
James gently pushed me back against him. “Getting rid of? That is one way to put it.”
“I don’t like death.” Death was dark and brutal. It was my greatest fear.
“And you think I do? Pretending something doesn’t exist helps no one.”
“I want to trust you. I need to. This situation is insane.” Trees with moving roots, bright colored birds and flowers? Glowing swords? I couldn’t imagine what was coming next.
“Then trust me.” He whispered the words against my ear.
“I want to trust you.”
“As I want to trust you.”
“What have I done to–?” I stopped myself. “Ok, bad question.”
He laughed. “You mean running off on me after pretending to need to relieve yourself might have made me hesitant to trust you again?”
“I was scared.”
“I realize that. Why do you think I’m not angry?”
“What’s going to happen now?”
“We talk to Charlotte and Liam. We get your ankle fixed. We get you some sleep.”
“And you?” I tried to turn around, but I realized I’d lose my balance, so quickly gave up.
“I will tape my ribs.”
“Will you still be with me?” I looked around at the dark night.
“After running off on me, you are now concerned that I will leave?”
“I’m scared.” Now that I’d admitted it once, it wasn’t so hard to say it again.
“I will not be far. You will be safe in the castle. There are few things I am sure of in life, but I am completely confident Charlotte will ensure you are well cared for, and I will personally ensure your safety.”
“What is a Guardian?”
“That is part of a long story I will share later.”
“I’m holding you to that.” I needed more of an explanation. I was tired of being left in the dark.
“Feel free. I will answer anything as long as you do not run off again.”
“There’s nowhere for me to run.” Energo was nothing like home. Who knew what other surprises waited?
“I am glad you accept that now.”
“How many days did you call me out sick?”
“A few.”
“People are going to look for me if I don’t get back soon.” At least I hoped someone would. Otherwise I was more of a loser than I thought.
“Of course they will. I bet Brad is already pacing at the front door.”
“Did you have to bring him up?”
“Is that who you are in a rush to go home to?” He shifted behind me.
“No. I am not in a rush to see anyone.”
“Then relax. At least you don’t have to worry about being bored.”
16
JAMES
I tried to ignore the ache caused by the feel of Ainsley’s body against mine as we rode. I needed her. I was done denying it. She was meant to be mine even if I did not deserve her.
Charlotte would know. As the Essence she had a gift of knowing, and whether it was conscious or not she would see what role Ainsley was to play for me.
Our connection made little sense. Ainsley was not from Energo, and she had no previous contact with our people. Unless she had. Unless she was hiding as much from me as I was hiding from her. I needed to find out. But first I had to get us to safety, and I needed to get her on the mend. My ribs did not matter, but her ankle did. I knew she was in pain, and I could not stand it. She was hurt because she did not trust me enough to stay. I would earn her trust, even if it meant holding back from what I wanted most.
We neared the gates, and I sent Nathaniel off first. I did not want us waiting at the gate while they determined whether Ainsley could enter. We did not have the time to waste. I had killed two men, but I knew they were not the only ones combing the darkness for us. For her. I knew it. I knew it went beyond her time spent with me. But all