Chapter 8
Reid
Istep out of the dining room for some air. If I have to sit there and listen to Sierra banging on about Luke’s damned lobster any longer, I swear I’m going to lose it.
I’m already close.
I’ve been on edge since she got here—especially after I went to her room.
I don’t think she realizes how she looked when she opened the door. Hair a mess. Clothes buttoned wrong. Cheeks flushed pink, her skin warm and glowing.
I knew instantly what had happened—and with who.
I almost said something, but I didn’t. It would be hypocritical, but that doesn’t stop the jealousy, which burns low and bitter in my gut.
I remind myself it’s none of my business who she sleeps with. I didn’t bring her here to be with her again. I brought her here to help her.
Still, I’m going to have to tell Luke to stay away from her.
Sierra has always had strong appetites—but she also uses sex to bury whatever she doesn’t want to feel. That never ends well. I won’t have him taking advantage of that.
“Come on Reid, admit it. It’s also because you’re jealous he’s the one touching her.”
I exhale slowly, forcing myself to acknowledge it all—jealousy, anger, lust, longing. Every damn bit of it.
Then I push it down.
I need to get my head straight.
I call security, confirm all entry points are locked down. Check in with the Sheriff, repeat what Luke already reported. Answer a couple of emails.
Routine. Focus. Control.
Anything to stop thinking about her. About the way she looked. About the fact that I haven’t touched anyone in five years.
After I left her, I couldn’t. It felt like a betrayal. I’m sure she didn’t have the same problem moving on.
“Stop. You don’t own her. You don’t get to feel entitled.”
I breathe again, steadying myself until I can walk back in without looking like I’m about to tear someone’s head off.
When I return to the dining hall, no one notices. They’re too busy eating and talking.
My eyes go straight to Sierra anyway.
She’s sitting beside Luke, eyes closed as she chews, that soft expression of pleasure on her face.
Luke is watching her. Not eating, just watching. There’s hunger in his gaze… and something else, something softer. That’s new.
Unease settles in my chest. Whatever this is, it’s already deeper than it should be. I need to shut it down before it goes any further.
“Where did you go?” Amanda asks as I sit beside her.
“Made a few calls.”
“Have you heard anything?”
The fear in her voice is immediate, raw.
I take her hand, grounding her. “You’re safe here. Security’s tight, and the Sheriff’s aware of the situation. He’s not getting anywhere near you.”
She nods, but the fear doesn’t leave her eyes. It won’t. Not until he’s gone for good.
I know that look.
When I let go of her hand and glance back at Sierra, I find her already watching me.
There’s something in her expression—dark, sharp, burning—before she looks away.
What the hell was that?
She doesn’t look at me again.
Not once.
I notice anyway.
Even while I talk to the others, I keep track of her—how she leans toward Luke, how easily she talks to him, how she laughs with the others at the table.
Like I’m not even here.
Maybe that’s what she wants.
When dinner ends, I don’t go to her.
I go to my office.
I’m not ready. Not tonight.
I’ve barely sat down when there’s a knock at the door.
“Yes?”
I expect Luke. Maybe one of the staff.
Instead, Amanda steps inside, hesitant.
“Hey.” She twists her fingers together. “Can I ask you something?”
“Of course.”
She hesitates again, then blurts it out. “Would it make sense for me to stay in your room tonight?”
I go still.
“It’s just… for safety,” she adds quickly, flushing.
I shake my head, keeping my tone calm. “That’s not appropriate.”
Her shoulders tighten. “But—”
“I understand why you’re scared,” I say, softer now. “I do. But you’ll be safe in your room. I’ve got people stationed right outside your door.”
She doesn’t look convinced.
And that’s the problem.
“Do you?”
“Yes. I’ve been scared more times than I can count.” I hold her gaze. “But you can’t let it control you. Stay grounded. Remember your strength. That’s how you fight back.”
“Yes, but…”
“But nothing.” I soften my tone, stepping closer and taking her hand. “Thank you for trusting me, Amanda. Now trust that we’re doing everything we can to protect you.”
“It’s just…” Her grip tightens, hands trembling.
“This isn’t the first time I’ve run. I’ve gone to other countries, places he’s never even heard of.
He always finds me. Brings me back. Sometimes I think he enjoys it…
like it’s a game. No matter where I go, he knows he can just show up and take everything away again.
” Her voice drops. “The only way I’ll ever be free of him is if he dies… or if he kills me.”
The words hang in the air between us for a moment, like some kind of dreadful prophecy, but I purposefully don’t let the tension build. What Amanda needs is to be reassured, calmed down, not to get more stressed.
“I’ll have the kitchen send up some tea,” I say instead. “Let’s walk you back.”
Amanda nods. I guide her toward the door—then stop.
Sierra stands there, hand raised to knock.
“Sierra.”
Her eyes flick between us, sharp, assessing.
“Sorry to interrupt.” There’s a chill in her voice. “I can come back.”
“No. It’s fine.” I’m already stepping aside. “I just need to walk Amanda to her room. I’ll be right back.”
She nods, lips tight.
For a second, I just look at her, trying to read what brought her here.
She drops her gaze first.
Right. Amanda.
I let go of Amanda’s hand too quickly, and she notices. Of course she does.
I escort her down the hall, more distracted than I should be. It only takes a minute, but her anxiety spikes again once we reach her door. I steady her, make sure the guards understand the shift rotations, make sure she’s not left alone for a second.
Only when everything is locked down to my satisfaction do I head back, texting Micah to send the tea.
Sierra is waiting outside my office, arms crossed.
“You could’ve gone in,” I say.
She shakes her head. “This won’t take long.”
I wait.
“I know I said I’d leave tomorrow,” she says, “but I’m staying a few days. I came here to review the place. I’m not changing that just because you’re here.”
“Good,” I say, unable to hide a small smile. “You might actually like what you find.”
She shrugs, but her eyes drift past me—back toward the hall.
She’s thinking about Amanda. Wondering what the story is. I almost laugh.
“You can ask,” I tell her.
“Ask what?”
“Whatever’s on your mind.”
She hesitates, then shakes her head. “I don’t need to.”
“Sierra—”
“I said it’s fine.”
The challenge in her voice hits instantly—heat flaring low in my body.
But beneath it, there’s something else. Something hurting. I give her the truth anyway.
“Amanda’s dealing with something personal. That’s all. There’s nothing going on between us.”
“I didn’t ask.”
“I know.”
She huffs a quiet breath. “I wouldn’t believe you anyway.”
That lands.
“Have I ever been the kind of man to take advantage of someone like her?” I ask quietly.
“She looks about the age I was when we got together.”
I don’t argue.
There’s nothing to say to that.
“Anyway,” she says, already pulling back. “That’s all.”
“Wait.”
I catch her wrist before she can leave.
Her pulse jumps under my fingers. She goes still, tension snapping tight between us.
For a second, all I want is to pull her in. Kiss her. Forget everything else.
I force myself to let go.
“I’m glad you’re here,” I say instead.
She nods once, then walks away.
It’s not the last interruption I get tonight.
A few hours later—after trying to work and getting nowhere—my door swings open without a knock.
“So,” Luke says, dropping into the chair opposite me, “we got an interesting new guest today, didn’t we?”
“Stay away from her.”
He tilts his head. “Because she’s your ex?”
“Because she’s here as a guest. We don’t cross that line.”
He spins the globe on my desk, ignoring the point. “What happened between you two?”
“It’s not your business.”
“I’ve got time.”
“Then go deal with her car,” I say flatly. “And stop sitting here.”
He grins, unfazed. “Man, you’re in a terrible mood. Wonder why.”
He winks, pushes to his feet, and strolls out, whistling.
Only after he’s gone does it hit me.
He never agreed to stay away from her.