“I should be angry with you,” Neve said, arms crossed as she leaned against her crutches, watching Cameron as he stuffed a spare set of clothes and a first aid kit into his saddlebags. “I should want to strangle you.”
“Only if you want Phelan to maybe die,” Cameron said, his gaze flicking up to meet hers. “If that’s what you want, by all means.”
She looked away, jaw setting. “I’m not angry at you anymore, Cameron. Not for…not for that.”
“For the accident of my birth? I’m glad, but I think we covered that already.” He straightened. “I’m sorry I didn’t tell you before I volunteered. There wasn’t exactly a lot of time.”
“That’s why I’m just upset, not angry or murderous.” Her eyes met his and she exhaled a quiet sigh. “I love you. I tried for a few minutes not to, when Leinth…said what she said. But I can’t stop, so being angry or hurt doesn’t help. Now I’m just scared.”
“Scared? Scared of what?”
“That you’re going to go off after my cousin and I’ll never see you again,” she said, catching her lower lip between her teeth. “That you’re going to get hurt or worse and I won’t be there to do anything about it. I know it must sound insane, but I wish I could go with you.”
Cameron went to her and folded her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest. He buried his nose in her hair and exhaled. “You’re with me all the time,” he said softly. “You’re in my heart, and that’s where you’re going to stay.”
Her arms slid around his waist and she leaned against him. The tears came a few minutes later and she clung to him—he was the only thing holding her up.
And then, just for a few minutes, he stood and held her there, whispering soothing nothings, until it was almost too late to leave with any hope of getting to her cousin before his enemies did. But in that one moment, it was worth it.
Just for a little while, it was worth it.
Very nice post. He better git going though, Phelan attracts trouble, it seems.
Thanks again for sharing your talents with us.