Chapter 12
Korie
Riah hadn’t stopped fidgeting, pacing and worrying since she showed me the text on her phone.
After countless reassurances that I wouldn’t let anything happen to her, she didn’t seem to be any more convinced.
I tried to leave her be and focus on fixing the window, but the thought of her freaking out inside tugged on my heartstrings.
I paused what I was doing, setting down my tools and removing my gloves before turning to Riah, who was leaning on the kitchen island, obsessively staring at her phone.
“Riah, you should sit down. Eat something. Drink some tea. I don’t think they’re going to send you another message.”
“I just feel like I’m missing something. Whoever they are…they were obviously following us through the store. Doesn’t that scare you?” She looked over at me, terrified desperation in her eyes.
I walked over, settling my forearms on the counter next to her.
“We don’t know that for sure. They could have seen us anywhere between that. But, no, it doesn’t scare me. I know what I’m doing, Ri. I know you’re scared and that’s okay, but you are going to drive yourself insane staring at that phone.”
She huffed out a sigh, locking her phone and sliding it far away from her. I grabbed a water bottle from the fridge, twisted it open and pushed it softly to her chest.
“Drink,” I gently commanded. My lower belly caught fire and melted as she immediately obeyed, wrapping her perfect lips around the top.
When she was finished, I took it back and screwed the cap back on.
“How about this…even when my shift change comes tonight, I’ll sleep on the couch for extra protection. Nobody is going to get past me.”
“I-” She paused; I could see her considering it. Her face momentarily softened and I knew right then that it would make her feel safe. “No, that’s too long. You have to go home and rest. Have a break. You already do so much for me.”
I stepped closer. Crowding her space. Almost completely closing the distance between us.
“Caring for you is not a burden, Riah.”
“But-”
I grabbed her chin in my hands and tugged her face up so she could see the sincerity in my eyes and hear the authority in my voice.
“Not. A. Burden. Say it.”
I watched as her throat bobbed. As her round, wide eyes grew.
The rise and fall of her chest quickened.
I smoothed my thumb over her chin, circling over the little brown mole on the side.
At that moment, I realized I was mirroring all of her reactions.
I wondered if she could hear my heart thumping against my chest.
“Not a burden,” she whispered, her gaze still holding mine.
“Good girl.” It was such a natural but unexpected response; I was almost shocked that I’d said it out loud.
Her pupils dilated, a small gasp escaping her lips. I could feel the muscles in my neck straining as I resisted the urge to taste the surprise on her tongue. My veins ached from the adrenaline pumping through them. Instead, I lightly pinched her chin before dropping my hand and taking a step back.
“Then it’s settled.” I cleared the shake from my voice before continuing. “I’ll finish up this window. You eat and do not pick up that phone again.”
I watched as she nodded in agreement and turned to the fridge, finally breaking the spell her stare cast me under.
As I returned to the window, I rubbed my fingers together.
The pads tingled where I held her face. My feelings for her were growing so deep that I feared my resistance would soon break.
***
When Jesse showed up for our shift change, I gave him the quick rundown on the job, making sure he and I were on the same page about exactly what I expected.
Riah had already gone up to bed, the stress of the day finally catching up to her. As I turned to leave, something was tugging me back. I would only be gone for a little while, an hour tops, to gather my things, but I couldn’t leave without making sure she felt okay.
I crept up the stairs and over to where her bedroom door was closed. No light shone from underneath the gap. As carefully as silently as I could, I twisted the doorknob, opening the door just a bit.
When I was sure she was asleep, I moved closer. Her soft snores filled the room. Her curls splayed over the pillow like scattered clouds. Her sweet face was more relaxed than I’d seen it all week. I reached out to caress her skin, stopping and curling my hand into itself before I got too close.
My willpower was slipping. My desire for her grew into a raging fire in my belly. A thundering storm in my heart. The need to resist the urge was quickly melting away, leaving nothing in its space but the need to make her mine.
As I felt my control slipping away, I finally let myself rub a finger over her skin. As if on instinct, she turned her face, pressing her cheek into my touch. It was the last confirmation I needed. I wanted her and I would do anything to make her mine.