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It was charming. Part of me felt protective of this moment, like I’d introduced her to a new life. That was silly, of course. I wasn’t adopting her like a pet. This was all for protection. But then she smiled wide, cheeks pink and eyes sparkling, and something deep down told me this was everything I wanted.
“And this is all for you?” Amber asked as she returned her attention to the captivating painting. “No roommates or anything?”
“All for me,” I responded, closing the door behind us. “And this is just the living room. Just wait until you see the kitchen or the?—”
The word ‘bedroom’ almost slipped out of my mouth. But I stopped myself just in time. That would just make everything weird. Even if that was exactly where I would have liked to take her. Everything about her was inviting, from her smooth voice to the curve of her waist. But I pushed that back down once again.
“But for now,” I continued. I joined Amber at the painting. It had been a while since I took the time to appreciate the view. “I’m more than happy to share the space with you.”
“Thank you,” Amber said as she looked over at me. “When they questioned me… I just got so scared. I wasn’t sure what to do. Where to go.”
“You don’t have to worry about that now. While you’re here next to me, you’re perfectly safe.”
I chose my words very carefully to Amber at that moment. All she needed to know was that I was protecting her by taking her to my apartment. As long as she was here, Conii and all her goons were nothing but a distant memory for her.
Which wasn’t a lie. Nobody could touch her at my apartment. The security was too high for Conii to even think about it. But it wasn’t exactly the full truth.
Draven’s orders were very clear. He didn’t trust Amber. And I shouldn’t, either. Her connection to Conii was far too dangerous to leave her without constant monitoring. She wasn’t an ally. Wasn’t a friend.
I knew that. But still, something in my blood wouldn’t let me leave her alone.
Though I wasn't happy that Conii’s goons were harassing her, it had worked out well. Draven wanted me to watch her, and now, so did she. She came to me. She needed my help. And now, it seemed she thought my apartment was so good, she might never want to leave.
“What a lovely place. Untouched by the evil of Conii and the Quilthars.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I spotted a small smile on Amber’s face.
It was all too easy. So simple to tap into Amber’s fear to get her here and keep her. Never had I had someone so willing to be babysat. No arguing. No fighting. Truly perfect.
“I really am grateful, Ryrik,” Amber said. Her voice was in a hushed tone.
“I know you are,” I said at full volume, a gesture to show her that we were safe and no one was listening in. “No need to mention it.”
Amber slowly walked over to the sofa and then sank into it. She took a moment to run her hands over the cushion, taking in the comfort.
“But I think I do need to, Ryrik,” Amber responded, looking up at me. “I do need to mention it.”
“I’m not doing anything that anyone else wouldn’t in my position,” I said as I joined her on the sofa. Again, technically not a lie.
“You really aren’t, though,” she insisted. “I’ve never… I mean, I didn’t tell you my whole life story, but you’re smart enough to fill in the blanks. No one has ever looked out for me the way you are right now. No one has ever cared so much about my wellbeing. And Ryrik, I’m just so grateful.”
Amber reached out and placed a hand on mine, gently holding it. A tinge of shame twisted in my gut. Her voice was so sincere, the direct opposite of my actions.
She saw me as some noble hero. A knight in shining armor from the human mythology of the old times. She was under the impression that I acted out of the kindness of my heart.
“I’m just happy to help you out in a time like this.” Now I was officially lying.
But even if I had to lie, it was for the best. Right? Even if my reasons weren’t so noble and I was just following Draven’s orders, I was still keeping her safe. The outcome would still be the same.
“I promise, though.” Amber squeezed my hand a little and looked me in the eyes. “If at any point I’ve been here too long or anything…”
“Nonsense,” I said quickly. “That won’t be happening.”
“You say that now, Ryrik.”
“Amber, this is a place for you to be safe. Until the threat of Conii is no longer an issue, you can expect to have a place here.”
“Are you sure?”
