Talen

I don’t do it or say anything. I seriously doubt it will be all right, but I feel myself go into my natural protector role anyway. I hold her a little closer, hoping to offer her some sense of security though I have no idea how we’re going to get out of this.

As soon as we’re settled, she turns the light out.

I close my eyes in the darkness, but my heart is beating fast enough that I wonder if she can hear it. I adjust my position a little under the guise of getting more comfortable, but I really just want to be touching as much of her as possible without being completely obvious.

Her hair smells like rain and campfire smoke, but there is also something brighter and almost sweet, like fresh flowers. I find the combination intriguing, intoxicating, and definitely feminine. I inhale deeply and quietly, hoping she won’t notice, and my head spins a little.

I’m completely exhausted, but my body feels electrified. I’m not sure I will be able to sleep like this.

“Are you at least going to tell me your name now?” I ask softly.

“I suppose so.” She lets out a long sigh. “It’s Aerin.”

“It’s good to meet you, Aerin.”

“Is it?”

“Well, I can’t exactly say I’ve enjoyed our encounters so far”—up until this very moment, anyway—“but it’s good to have a name to put with a face and all that.”

“I enjoyed the first time we met,” Aerin says.

“Oh, I bet you did!”

“The look on your face when I cut the rope…that was fabulous.”

“You couldn’t see my face.” I narrow my eyes at her.

“I could imagine,” she replies with a grin.

“That hurt, you know.”

“Yeah, but I can’t say that I’m sorry. You did hold a knife to my throat.”

“You punched me.”

“You started it.”

“I was only making threats,” I say. “You assaulted me. I should probably have you arrested.”

“I’m sure that arrest report would be entertaining,” she says with a laugh. “‘And where did you meet the accused, sir?’ ‘Well, we were both breaking into the same house…’”

“Fair point.” I shake with quiet laughter. “I suppose I will have to stick with vigilante justice.”

“And just what exactly do you think my punishment should be?” I feel her tilt her head up as if to look at me though there isn’t enough light for the gesture to have any real purpose. “As a matter of fact, what exactly is my crime?”

“Aside from burglary?” I ask.

“I didn’t burglarize anyone,” Aerin says indignantly. “I didn’t leave with a single item. Besides, a career thief can’t exactly accuse me of theft.”

“I can still accuse you.”

“But it’s meaningless.”

“We’re back to assault then.”

“Self-defense. You attacked first. My only crime was being in your territory, but it’s not like you had any signs posted.”

“Okay,” I say, “I’ve changed my mind. You’re obviously from a family of lawyers.”