Total pages in book: 84
Estimated words: 78603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 78603 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 393(@200wpm)___ 314(@250wpm)___ 262(@300wpm)
The rest of the meal goes by in silence, the awkwardness hanging between us like a cloud. It’s almost unbearable, and I can’t wait for it to end. When I finally finish my food, I push the plate away, sitting back in my chair.
“Thanks for making lunch,” I say softly. “I think I’m just gonna head out for that walk now. Maybe some fresh air will help clear my head.”
Boone stands up and looks at me, his expression unreadable. “You sure you’re okay?”
I feel the sting of frustration rise in my chest. “I’m fine, Boone,” I say quickly, more sharply than I intend. “I just need some time alone.”
His brow furrows, and I see the flicker of concern in his eyes, but he doesn’t push. “All right. But I’m still here if you need anything.”
I nod, grabbing my jacket and heading for the door without another word.
I step outside and feel the cool air hit my skin. The quiet of the woods surrounds me, and for the first time today, I feel like I can breathe again. But even with the fresh air, I can’t shake the feeling that I’m running away from something I don’t fully understand.
Chapter 15
Boone
The night has been quiet, but that quiet is the kind of silence that makes me uneasy. Aubree and I haven’t spoken much since lunch. She’s been distant, and I get it. I’ve been keeping my distance too, trying to respect the space she clearly needs. But it’s hard. It’s hard when all I want to do is be close to her. To protect her, but also... to be something more. I can’t let myself feel that way. Not when I’m supposed to be the one keeping her safe.
I make my way to my room, mentally preparing myself for the same restless sleep I’ve been getting. But then I hear it.
A faint sound—something like a twig snapping, too soft to be the wind. Instantly, my senses sharpen. Every muscle in my body tightens as the weight of my training hits me. I’m up in an instant, grabbing my gun from the nightstand and slipping quietly out of my room.
I move fast, slipping out of the door and into the cool night. My boots barely make a sound as I move toward the trees, the shadows of the property stretching long in the moonlight. There’s no breeze to mask the sound of someone moving around, and I’m immediately on edge. The feeling in my gut tells me something’s wrong. I can feel the hairs on the back of my neck rise, and every step I take, every noise I hear, sends a spike of adrenaline straight to my bloodstream.
I don’t hear Aubree follow me at first, but then I do. The soft rustling of footsteps behind me. I spin around quickly, my gun still raised, but it’s only her.
“Aubree, go back inside,” I order, my voice low but sharp.
Her face is pale, the moonlight catching the worry in her eyes. “What’s going on?” she asks, her voice trembling, but her resolve is strong.
“There’s someone on the property. You need to stay inside. Go back in the cabin now.”
I don’t wait for her response. She doesn’t need to be anywhere near this. I turn back toward the trees, moving quietly, my gun held firmly, scanning every inch of the yard. Every shadow, every rustling noise feels like it could be the person I’m looking for. My heart pounds in my chest, my senses firing. I know that someone’s here. They’re close. I can feel it.
I see him.
A figure steps into the open for just a second, barely visible in the shadows near the fence. It’s a man. He doesn’t see me, but I see him. I’m too far away to make out his features, but I know he doesn’t belong here. The instant I spot him, I move faster, stepping silently through the trees, closing the distance between us. My heart hammers in my chest as I make my way through the underbrush. I’m almost there.
But then I hear the unmistakable sound of a car door opening—quiet but distinct. My instincts scream at me to go after him, but when I break through the last line of trees, I see him slipping into an SUV parked at the edge of the property.
The engine starts with a low hum, and before I can react, the vehicle is already speeding away, the taillights glowing red before disappearing into the night.
I stand there, frozen for a moment, my gun still raised, my chest heaving. I don’t move right away, too stunned by how quickly it all happened. Whoever that guy was, he was prepared. And it’s not over. I know it. I can feel it in my gut.
I stay in place for a few more seconds, listening for any other sounds, but the night is still again.