Cadence frowned as she wiped down the counters. She hadn’t seen Jameson at all today. He hadn’t even had breakfast. And she wasn’t sure what to make of that. He hadn’t missed a meal yet since she’d been here, and they’d had a nice night last night.

Well, she fled when she learned what he did for a living, but surely, he didn’t know she’d been uneasy or wary.

She still couldn’t believe she let him touch her. Hell, she didn’t just let him, she asked if he wanted to, and then took his hand and put it on her belly. And even though it was an innocent touch, it still made desire rush through her.

As surprising as that had been, it hadn’t bothered her like she thought it would. Actually, she reveled in it. She was ninety-nine percent sure he was the good guy he seemed. He didn’t scare her anymore, or make her nervous. And she’d basically decided she wasn’t going to fight whatever it was that was between them anymore. She knew he felt it too. Besides, it wasn’t like she’d be here long term. Indulging a little while she was here couldn’t hurt, especially not with a good guy like Jameson.

But then, he told her what he did for a living, and her fear kicked back in. Winston, for all he was a violent asshole, wasn’t a fighter. And he’d still managed to hurt her badly. But Jameson… he was a trained fighter. He had to be, to be qualified to train others. If he decided he wanted to hurt her, he’d know better than anyone the best ways to do it.

By the time she fell asleep last night, the fear and wariness had abated a bit. Jameson was so different from Winston. She hadn’t known him long at all, but even she could tell that. And yeah, she’d been wrong before, but she didn’t think she was about him.

There was still a small part of her that was fearful and wary of him, though. She hated it. Not only was it so unlike the woman she was before she met Winston, but she didn’t think Jameson deserved it. She just didn’t know how to make it stop.

“Are you okay?”

Shrieking, she slapped a hand over her heart and spun toward Tarun. She hadn’t even heard her come in. “Shit on a stick, you scared me.”

Tarun looked at her sheepishly. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to. I thought you heard me come in. I forget sometimes that your hearing isn’t as good as ours.”

She frowned. What the hell did she mean by that? Before she could ask, Tarun continued.

“Seriously, are you okay?”

“Oh, yeah, I’m fine. I was just thinking about something. I thought you’d be at work now.”

“I’m on my lunch break. I forgot something when I went to Anaya’s house last night and came home to get it. Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I’m all right.” Hesitating, she thought hard, but finally decided to go with it. “Tarun, does it bother you that your brother trains fighters? Is a fighter?”

Tarun laughed. “Of course not. Why would it? Wait, is that what’s bothering you?”

“Kind of. I’m not a fan of violence.”

“Oh, Cady. You have absolutely nothing to worry about when it comes to Jamie. Yeah, he knows how to fight, and he’s damned good at it. Good enough to be head trainer, and we have some of the best fighters in the world here. You have to be very skilled to get that position. But he’s not a hothead, and he doesn’t have a temper. He doesn’t just go off, beating people up. It takes a lot to provoke him. It’s virtually impossible. He fights in earnest to defend Durga and its occupants, and trains others to do the same. That’s it.”

Nodding, she blew out a breath, her shoulders releasing tension she hadn’t realized she carried. “That’s very good to know. Thanks.”

“Do you like my brother?” Tarun asked, eyeing her speculatively.

“What? No, of course not,” she sputtered, trying to sound convincing and not sure at all she succeeded. She knew she hadn’t when Tarun snorted.

“Sure. No judgment here if you do. Actually, I’d think it was great. Jamie’s been lonely for too long. And I worry about what will happen once I move out. Then he won’t have anyone. He’ll just be rattling around this big ole house all by himself, for God knows how long. Now, I need to go grab my stuff. My lunch break’s almost over and I don’t want to be late.”

Before Cadence could protest and tell Tarun she had it all wrong, she was gone. A few moments later the front door opened and shut. Sighing, she turned around and wiped down the already clean counters.

If she were being completely honest with herself, the truth was, she lied to Tarun. She did like Jameson, maybe more than was wise. And maybe Tarun wasn’t being completely honest about his true nature—everything in her past pointed to that being more than likely, because what man didn’t have a temper and wasn’t hotheaded?

But everything in her said she was telling the truth. There was a big probability that he was just an anomaly. Making a career out of training men to fight suggested he enjoyed it, but she supposed that didn’t mean he did it all the time. She’d been a stripper, for heaven’s sake, but she certainly never did it all the time.

So maybe she wouldn’t run from this like she did last night. She’d been thinking of giving it a go with him, seeing where it led—for the few days she was here, at least. She only backed off because of his profession.

It kind of felt hypocritical. She’d be beyond hurt if they started something, and he found out she used to strip and dropped her like a hot potato. The difference was that stripping hurt no one—not the way fighting did.

But, since it seemed like his profession didn’t mean he’d hurt her, she’d go back to letting things happen naturally between them. She’d just be cautious, and if there was any sign at all that pointed to him having a violent nature, or a temper, she’d be out of here in a heartbeat, whether her car was fixed or not.

Hell, he might not even want her, not like that. She thought he did. But she was pregnant—not exactly prime dating, or even screwing, material. Only one way to find out if he did, though.

Feeling better than she had all morning, she started cleaning the downstairs half bath. Like the rest of the first floor, it wasn’t too dirty, but it still needed a good scrubbing. She was just about to pull on gloves and tackle the toilet when she heard Jameson call her name.

“In here,” she called, poking her head out of the doorway.

She spotted him, and her mouth dried as she got a good look at him. He was shirtless, and it was clear he’d been working outside, because his skin was gleaming with a thin layer of moisture. His chest was impressive, his pecs sculpted, and the hills and valleys of his abs stood out in stark relief. His jeans rode low on his hips, showcasing the V of his hips. Holy hell, he had a gorgeous body, and she squirmed as hers roared to life.

Spotting her, he smiled, running a hand through the longish dark hair on his head. “Hey, Cady. I’m about to change your oil, but I wanted to ask a question first.”

Cocking her head, she stepped into the hall. “What’s up?”

“Do you like Indian food?”

She frowned, not expecting that question. “I’ve never had it, but I like most foods. I’m not picky. Why?”

“I’m sure you’ll enjoy it, then. There are some great Indian foods. Don’t bother cooking tonight. We’ll go to Khatari’s.”

“What? No, that defeats the purpose of me cooking for you in payment. I can make something here.”

“I don’t care about that. I’m really craving it, so I’d like to go.”

Pursing her lips, she studied him before shaking her head. “You go on, then. I can make something for myself here.”

“Aw, come on. Come with me. Don’t make me eat alone.”

Shit, she hadn’t thought of that. She’d eaten alone a lot, and she hated it every time. “If you’re sure I won’t be in the way.”

He grinned, his blue eyes lighting up. “You’re never in the way. We should leave here around five-thirty. They’re usually pretty busy, and it can take a bit to be seated.”

“Okay, that’s fine. Thanks. The keys to my car are on the table still.”

“I saw them. It shouldn’t take me long to get the oil changed.”

Watching as he turned to head back outside, she tried to quell the butterflies in her belly. This absolutely was not a date. At all. So why did it feel like it was?

Sighing, she went back into the bathroom. She wasn’t sure about going out in public, even in a secluded place like Durga Valley. But she could put her makeup on, maybe even her wig. The only people who’d seen her were Jameson and Tarun, so no one would know that wasn’t what she really looked like. And if someone did show up, asking questions, the townspeople would give the wrong description.

Feeling better about having a plan, she went back to cleaning the bathroom and convincing herself this wasn’t a date.

Jameson blew out a breath, pacing the downstairs hallway. After he finished Cady’s car, he went for a run, trying to work some of his nerves and anticipation out. Then he got a shower, and now here he was, waiting on her to come downstairs.

He felt encouraged, and no matter how much he tried to talk himself down, it didn’t work. When he saw her earlier, there hadn’t been a hint of fear or wariness in her eyes. Hell, he even thought he saw a spark of desire.

He wasn’t sure what changed. Starting to run a hand through his hair, he paused, remembering at the last moment that his hair was neatly brushed back. He paced faster as he thought back to last night. He hadn’t imagined the wariness in her gaze, the way she took off so quickly. And he made himself scarce this morning, grabbing breakfast at Karis and Arya’s before heading to the warrior lodge. He hadn’t intended to go back in at all until she left Durga—although he was hoping she never did—but he was trying to stand by his decision to give her a little space.

And then he walked into the house earlier to find her staring at him like he was a juicy piece of steak, with zero fear in her eyes. He’d only intended to let her know he was going to change the oil, but when he opened his mouth, he ended up asking her out, instead.

And she said yes. Yes.

He was still in disbelief over it. What the hell was different now? Had the little bit of space he gave her this morning actually worked?

Mates are always very attracted to each other. The attraction you feel isn’t one sided. That’s not possible with mates. She can’t help wanting you, his tiger said.

I’d like to think it’s more than just her not able to help it, he replied, disgruntled.

Oh don’t be a big baby. I’m sure that’s not the only reason.

Asshole tiger.

Hell, even if it was only because she couldn’t help it, that wasn’t necessarily a bad thing. He was pretty sure she didn’t have a high opinion of men at all, so he could take all the help he could get.

The sound of footsteps nearing the stairs came to his sensitive ears, and he turned with anticipation running through his veins. When she came into view, his eyes widened as his mouth popped open, and he stared in disbelief.

What the ever-loving hell had she done to herself?

He couldn’t find his voice at all as he watched her slowly descend the stairs. She was once again wearing leggings and a baggy shirt, but that wasn’t what had his attention.

Her gorgeous dark brown hair was gone, and in its place was a dirty blonde wig. At least he thought it was a wig. He hoped she hadn’t dyed it. She had black square framed glasses resting on her pert nose, but honestly, he thought they were kind of sexy. The problem was, he knew she didn’t need them. So why was she wearing them?

The biggest travesty was the fact that her freckles were gone. Completely vanished, as if they never were. As she got closer, he realized she was wearing makeup, but it must be some heavy-duty shit to cover the dark spots. The only other makeup she had on was mascara, and it made her already crazy long eyelashes look a mile long. They even brushed the lenses of her glasses when she blinked, and surely that had to be driving her nuts.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, she smiled at him warmly. “Hey, Jameson. You ready to go?”

“What the hell did you do to yourself?” he blurted.

Okay, so maybe that wasn’t the most diplomatic thing to say. He probably should have chosen his words with more care, or hell, not said anything at all. He didn’t want to piss her off or make her uncomfortable. But fuck, her new look had thrown him for a loop, and he was still reeling.

Her eyes widened, and she bit her lip. “I’m guessing you don’t like it.”

Backpedaling, he shook his head. “It’s not that, it’s just—”

“Jameson, you’ve done really well with not lying to me. Don’t break that record and start now.”

Fuck. Exhaling, he ran his hand through his hair, beyond caring if he mussed the long strands or not. “It’s just… not you. I love your freckles, and your dark hair. It almost matches your beautiful eyes exactly. I’ll admit, the glasses are sexy as fuck, but I know you don’t need them. It’s just not you.”

Lips parting, she stared at him in silence for a moment. “Thank you. I think.” Pausing, she once again sank her teeth into her bottom lip. “It’s just—well—okay, I’m not sure I’m ready to answer any questions about why, or if I’ll ever be ready. But I don’t want to be recognizable. I’ve gone out in public like this for the last few weeks. I don’t want to be noticed, and if I am, I want what people to see and remember to be different from how I really am.”

Brow furrowing, he studied her as he slowly nodded. What she said only jibbed with the sense he had that she was running from someone. It confirmed it, really. But it told him that it was more serious than he initially thought. If who she was running from was so much of a threat that she felt the need to hide who she was, it was a big problem.

“I won’t ask any questions, but, just so you know, I really want to know. I just hope one day you feel comfortable and trust me enough to tell me what’s going on. Like I told you before, Durga Valley is small, and it’s not on any maps, so the odds of anyone coming here are slim. And we hardly ever get visitors. A strange person showing up is noticed. Word of your arrival spread to every person who lives here within the day.

“And Cady, you’re under my protection while you’re here. Everyone knows that. Not only would they not tell a stranger where to find you, but they’d immediately call me to let me know someone was looking for you. Nothing will happen to you here. I understand if you want to keep the disguise when we go out. That’s your right. And I think no matter what you do with yourself, you’re beautiful. But you, the real you, is more gorgeous than I have words for. I’ll miss seeing that Cady tonight.”

Her breath caught, and she swallowed audibly as she searched his eyes. A small smile curled her lips up, and then it was his turn to catch his breath as she slowly reached up, smoothing his hair back in place.

She just touched him. Willingly. With a smile on her face. Be still my heart, he thought. Literally. It felt like it was going to pound right out of his chest.

“Thank you, Jamie. Thank you for thinking the natural me is beautiful. Thank you for understanding. Thank you for everything.”

She called him Jamie. Her using the nickname only his sister had ever used felt huge, and incredibly intimate. And it just went to show how far she’d come, in such a short time.

“It’s all been my pleasure, Cady. Truly.” His eyes roamed her face, still beautiful despite the changes she made. Pausing on her wig, he cocked his head, considering. “I understand that you want to keep the disguise. But I honestly think you don’t need the wig. Your natural hair, while beautiful, isn’t a shade that stands out. Especially since the majority of people in Durga have dark hair. You actually stand out more with that wig color. I don’t think there’s any harm in going outside without it.”

Nibbling on her lip, nearly causing him to groan out loud and tempting him beyond belief to take over and do it for her, she finally nodded. Reaching up, she pulled the wig off, shaking her head as her dark brown hair tumbled around her shoulders. Fuck, it was gorgeous. Silky smooth, it fell into place naturally, and it didn’t at all look like it’d been stuffed under that ugly as sin wig.

A strand fell over her forehead, catching on her glasses, and he lifted his hand. Pausing, he looked at her with a question in his eyes, needing her permission before he touched her. She understood and slowly nodded. Taking the hair in his hand, he quickly rubbed it between his fingers before gently tucking it behind her ear. God, her hair felt as good as it looked, and his body reacted to just that simple touch.

Fuck if he didn’t sound like a pansy-assed virgin with that thought and his body’s reaction, but he couldn’t deny it was true. And she let him touch her. It was only her hair, but still, she allowed it, and that was everything.

Clearing his throat, hoping to hide his desire, he said, “Much better. Now, do you like spicy food? Khatari’s has amazing curry. They have spicy and mild versions, but even the mild has some kick.”

Gesturing her forward, his smile grew as they walked outside, only half listening as she answered. He almost couldn’t believe she agreed to go, that he got to subtly show off his mate to his tribe members. But so fucking help them if any of them even looked at her funny. The rules changed months ago, but some were still stubbornly clinging to the old ways, and outsiders hadn’t been welcome then.

But Cady was. Oh, fuck, was she ever welcome. He’d wanted a mate for such a long time, and the fact that it turned out to be her—he was the luckiest son of a bitch on the planet.

And this was definitely a date. Maybe it didn’t technically count since she didn’t really know it was one, but he didn’t care. It was a date, plain and simple.