Reid and Luke lock into a stare-off—Luke smug, Reid tight and irritated.
I watch Reid out of the corner of my eye. I’ve never known him to be a bad man. I don’t know him as well as I know Luke, but I trust my instincts, and he’s always seemed decent.
I wouldn’t have sold him the land otherwise.
At the same time, he’s full of blanks. I know nothing about his family. Nothing about his past. Just that he wants to build something good here.
Since Sierra arrived, I’m not as sure of that anymore.
“Speaking of Amanda,” Luke says, breaking the silence, “I’m not sure what we’re doing is working. She’s getting worse, even with more sessions.”
“Therapy isn’t magic,” Reid says. “She’s been through months of abuse and stalking. She’s only just started opening up. It’ll take time.”
“Yeah, I know. I just meant… is there more we can do?”
Reid considers it. “Maybe. For now, we stay consistent. Let her move at her own pace.” He exhales. “But that’s not why I came out here. I need to know I can trust you both with Sierra.”
I sigh and nod, but I don’t meet his eyes. I’ve already crossed a line with her, and I suspect he has too.
I don’t even know why I did what I did earlier.
Impulse. Hunger.
Or something worse.
Maybe I wanted her to see.
No.
I shut that down immediately.
Reid keeps his eyes on Luke.
“Yeah,” Luke says after a moment. “I’ll keep it professional.”
Reid nods. “Good. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
I nod again. Reid turns and disappears into the dark.
Luke hangs around a little longer, still trying to get something out of me, but eventually he gives up and leaves.
I finish chopping the timber, bring it inside, start a fire, wash up.
It’s been a long day. I should be exhausted.
I’m not.
Hours pass before sleep comes.
And when it does, she’s there.
“Talon.”
Her voice slips through the room.
“No,” I whisper. “Don’t come in.”
She does anyway.