Page 25 of Bound in Ashes

But the thought of failing her…of losing her was like a knife in the chest.

And it reminded me of what I needed to do and who she needed me to be.

She didn’t need someone to admire her bravery or her beauty.

She also didn’t need someone who wanted to chain her at his side, someone who would do exactly that if she kept being so fucking reckless.

She needed someone with a clear head and focused mind to keep her alive.

That was what I would do.

For her.

Even if she fought me every step of the way.

Asia looked at me, her eyes soft, patient, in a way that made me feel like my skin was too tight.

I turned away from that feeling and toward the yard, scanning the perimeter with newly focused eyes.

“Jack?” Asia’s voice was tentative, brimming with questions.

“Thinking through security,” I called over my shoulder without looking at her.

Before she could speak again, Caitlin and Elliot emerged from around the house. Elliot carried the case of water, while Caitlin twirled a pen between her fingers.

Their footsteps crunched on the gravel driveway, blessedly loud and disruptive in the silence. Elliot’s gaze flicked to Asia’s neck, then he looked away quickly, his cheeks staining red as he cleared his throat.

Asia reached up to touch the spot I’d bitten earlier.

She stood a little taller, rubbing her hands down her pants.

It was her tell. She knew Elliot saw it.

Knew that they all would.

Good.

I knew it, too, but I didn’t give two shits.

And now, that focus I’d been worried about narrowed to a single point.

Elliot and the way he moved closer to Asia, his expression animated as he tried to catch his breath.

My jaw tightened as I watched, Elliot standing close enough that his elbow grazed hers.

I reminded myself that this was Elliot. Kind, respectful Elliot, who’d been a big part in all of us getting here.

I still wanted to break his fucking hands.

I crossed the space between us in three strides and stepped between them.

Elliot had proven he was smart, and did so again when he stepped back.

From the corner of my eye, I saw Asia look at me.

I ignored her.

Elliot was helpful. Not an asshole.