Neve eventually let go of him and dried her eyes. She gave him a tiny, gentle push.
“Go,” she said, her voice hoarse. “Go before I change my mind about letting you out of my sight.”
Cameron swallowed against a lump in his throat and smiled at her. He pressed a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll be back before you have a chance to miss me.”
“Too late.” She gave him a weak, watery smile. “Now go. Go and be careful and damn it all, bring Phelan home safe.”
He picked up his saddlebags and headed for the door, turning at the last moment. “I love you,” he said.
“I know,” she whispered. “Be safe.” She touched her fingers to her lips and threw a little kiss toward him, one that chased him out the door and into the corridor. He took a few deep breaths and kept his head down until his eyes stopped stinging. No matter how short his trip ended up being, he’d miss her more than anything while he was away.
Try not to think about it, he told himself. Try not to dwell on it. You’ll be back before either of you know it. All you have to do is warn the others, round up Phelan, and tear ass home before the bad guys get to you.
Easy as hell.
Marin was waiting for him near the fire, another saddlebag in hand. “Food,” she said as she pressed it into his free hand. “For the trip. Tell Thom to be careful. Tell him I love him.”
Cameron smiled and nodded. “Of course. Take care of Neve while I’m gone.”
“You don’t even have to ask.”
Marin smiled and hugged him, then he was off to saddle his horse and on his way in the cold sunshine of a winter afternoon.
