When Reid stands, her whole body tenses like she wants to follow—but she stays put.
A cold suspicion settles in my gut.
What is he doing to her?
Why does she look at him like that?
That’s not normal.
Not at all.
I need to find out.
Maybe I should stay one more day after all. After all, I didn’t come all this way just for a nice dinner.
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 sureshedidn’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.