CHAPTER THREE

 

 

 

“Now, this is inconvenient,” Seren whispered as she peeled her clothes off, then removed the rabbit ears. Try as she might, thinking about changing her garments did absolutely nothing. Usually in her regular environment, she could imagine an outfit and it would appear.

Of course, her options weren’t endless. There were rules. Rules she often stretched to the breaking point. Nevertheless, the threat of a reprimand hardly dissuaded her from donning certain pieces of apparel that made her smile. Like the rabbit ears and the cape.  

Now, no matter how hard she concentrated, no white robe materialized.

“Oh well, I’m glad I have Canyon’s shirt.” She patted it with a smile.  

Standing in front of the mirror, her eyes barely grazed her nude form. As much as Seren enjoyed dressing to amuse herself, self-appreciation was an alien concept.

“Okay, now to draw my bath.” After gathering a towel and a washcloth, she knelt by the large porcelain tub to turn on the water. “Hmmm, you can figure this out if you try.” After all, she’d watched Canyon take a shower a zillion times. The tub wasn’t his thing, but she’d seen commercials on the television showing women lounging in water and seeming to enjoy themselves quite a bit.

“Now, how does this work?” She turned the spigots and tested the water. “Too cold.” Twist. Twist. “Oooh, too hot!” She felt like Goldilocks in the cartoon she’d seen on television. Finally, she found a temperature that felt good to her skin. “Now, how do I get the water to stay in the tub?” Seren looked for a stopper, but didn’t see one. She pushed and tugged at the spigots and the gadget at the bottom of the tub, but nothing would stop the water from draining out as fast as it ran in. “Canyon!”

 

…From the end of the hall, Canyon heard his name called. Thinking something might be wrong, he took off to see. At the same moment he reached to open the door – it swung open and Canyon had to grab onto the door facing to keep from going to his knees.

“Canyon, how do you make the water stay in the tub? I’ve tried everything.”

Canyon stared at the beautiful woman. Yes, woman. She might not think of herself as a girl, but that’s exactly what she was – gloriously female. An exquisitely formed female. She was delicately made and perfectly proportioned. His eyes went on a sightseeing tour of the places he’d most like to visit. Two mounds of creamy flesh topped by succulent pink nipples and a hint of the paradise between her legs drew his immediate and intense interest. Unbidden his hand raised, he would die if he didn’t touch. When he lightly caressed the velvet soft skin at the upper swell of her breasts, he groaned at the satiny smoothness beneath his fingertips.

“What’s wrong?” she asked him, concerned, shivering at his feathery touch. “Are you hurting?”

Canyon groaned again. Was he hurting? “Yea. Aching.” His cock was so hard, so big, and throbbing painfully with each beat of his heart.

“I’m sorry. Can I help?” She reached for him, but before her hand landed on his arm, he jerked away.

“Cover yourself.” He stalked to the tub, bent, and twisted the top of the drain stopper, halting the outflow of water.

His snarled words sent an unfamiliar blast of embarrassed heat over her body. Instinctively, she realized she was naked and was ashamed. Lifting her arm, she covered her breasts, her other hand went to her mound. “I’m sorry. I’ve seen you unclothed so many times, I forgot it was wrong. Forgive me.”

“Fuck!”

Canyon barreled out of the door, slamming it so hard, the noise echoed through the house. “Fuck, fuck, fuck.” It was a wonder the damn door didn’t come off its hinges. He took a step or two and leaned against the wall, shaking with pure desire. “She was sent here just to torment me, I guess,” he muttered weakly.

From inside the bathroom, Seren bowed her head, hearing his lament. She stood still, a thoughtful frown on her face. She felt at odds with everything. Nothing made sense anymore. She was feeling things she’d never felt before. Canyon wasn’t even the same, he seemed angry and ill at ease.

Because of her.

A twinge of regret burned in her breast. What was she to do? “I’d disappear if I could, but I don’t know how.” She closed her eyes and concentrated, willing herself to fade into nothingness.

After a few moments of intense wishing, she scoffed and gave up. No luck. She sighed. “I’m still here.”

A sudden splash of water on her foot made Seren jump. “Oh, my goodness!” She scrambled to turn off the water before the tub overflowed. “You are such a screw-up, Seren.”

After cutting off the taps, she hesitated to reward herself with the bath.

But…it looked so inviting.

“Maybe a good soak will help me think.” Lifting up her leg, she slowly lowered one foot into the water, letting the silky liquid envelop her. “Oh, my saints,” she breathed, “this is heavenly.”

 

…Yea, he was still in the hall. “So, sue me.” This was his house. If he wanted to torture himself by listening at the sweet sounds coming from the mouth of his sexy interloper – that was his business.

What was he going to do with her? He considered calling the county human resources folks to try and find her some help – for about half a minute. But…he had no idea what they’d do to her or where she’d end up. She was so small and helpless. And beautiful.

And she’d saved his life.

“Ah, dammit to hell.” What choice did he have? He’d get to the bottom of this, find out where she’d come from, and make sure she got back there safely.

A soft splash and a softer giggle emanating from the confines of the bath made him smile. She sounded like she was having such a good time. He’d give his left nut and five years of his life to see the scene unfolding in his bathroom up close and personal. 

 

…Completely captivated, Seren held a handful of water up and laughed as it flowed back down her arms. She laid back and dunked her head, then swiveled on her tummy like a small otter at play. When she raised up out of the water, she pushed her hair out of her eyes and giggled again. “I may never get out of here,” she whispered in awe.

However, hearing herself speak reminded Seren of her problem. Taking care of Canyon was her responsibility even if he didn’t want her around. Sitting up and wiping herself with the cloth, she pondered her predicament.

Maybe…she was about to be replaced.

The thought sent despair spearing through her. No one could take better care of Canyon than she could. No one!

Or…maybe this was a new way of doing things and she’d missed her training session. Yes, she procrastinated about checking her inbox. Being away from Canyon even for a moment to take care of divine business wasn’t something she allowed herself very often.

Still, her presence upset him. This truth made her very sad.

Reaching into the water, she twisted the knob the way she’d seen Canyon do and smiled sadly when the water began to form a small whirlpool as it flowed down the drain and away. Placing her hands on the side, she pushed up and grabbed the towel to dry herself. Again, she took little notice of her body. Seren was intent upon making herself respectably presentable for Canyon. She knew they needed to talk – and there was no time like the present.

 

…Sitting on the edge of his seat, forearms on his thighs, Canyon stared into the flames of the fire. When he heard the sound of water beginning to drain from the tub, he stood up and raked his hand through his hair. Swallowing, he cleared his throat. “All right, get it together, man,” he chided himself. “Tell her what you’ve decided and do the best you can.”

Hearing the pad of soft feet on the hall carpet, he watched the place where she’d first appear when rounding the corner. Without even realizing it, he held his breath – not gasping for a mouthful of oxygen until she came into view and their eyes met. The sight of her made his blood run hot, his old Longhorn T-shirt had never looked so good. “Enjoy your bath?”

“Yes, thank you.” She pointed to the kitchen. “I hate to ask, but I fear I’m hungry. Could I have a slice of white bread and a dab of ketchup?” These were foods she knew were in the pantry. How they tasted, she didn’t know – but she felt shaky and a little disoriented. Perhaps, if she ate, she’d feel better. Having no access to her normal fare necessitated prevailing upon Canyon for aid. “I forgot to pack provisions,” she teased weakly.

“Dammit.” He hadn’t even thought about offering her something to eat. “Sorry, I’m a terrible host.” He motioned for her to follow him.

“Oh, don’t apologize. I know I’m not a welcome guest.” She moved along behind him. “You don’t have to serve me. I know where everything is.”

Why didn’t this surprise him? “Do you?” He opened the refrigerator door. “Well, I thought I might could do a bit better than ketchup and bread. How about grilled cheese?”

“And tomato soup? I think you have a can.” This suggestion was made with a great deal of enthusiasm. “You used to love those two things together when you were younger. Why, I remember how you used to eat them at your grandmother’s house when you would spend summers there as a teenager.” She laughed at the memory. “Her fat Corgi would sit at your feet and you’d slip him crusts of bread. What was his name?”

As Canyon placed the cheese and butter on the cutting board, he felt the hair rise up on his neck.

“Walter,” they stated at the same time.

“Yea, that was it, Walter!” Seren smiled and sat down at the table, totally missing the look of bafflement Canyon was giving her. “He’s such a good dog.”

“Was such a good dog. I’m sure he’s been dead for twenty years or more.”

“All dogs go to heaven, Canyon.” Seren gave him a dazzling smile. “All cats too. And horses. And…”

“I thought that was just a movie. And you know this for a fact?” he asked patiently as he carefully sliced the cheese and buttered the bread.

“Sure, it’s common knowledge.” She stood and went to the pantry and found the can of tomato soup.

“Can opener’s in that drawer.” He pointed to the one to the right of the sink. “The pot…”

“I know. I know.” She knelt and pulled out a sauce pan deep enough to hold the two-serving can of soup. After finding the right pot, she opened the drawer to bring out the can opener. “Hmmm.” She stared at the contraption, placing it to the side of the can the way she’d seen Canyon do.

Surreptitiously, Canyon watched her fiddle with the opener, trying to attach it to the can in a number of ways – none of them correct. “Oh, give the damn thing here.” He took it from her grasp. “You don’t have to pretend to be stupid, you know.”

A wave of unfamiliar anger flashed over her. For a second, she didn’t know what she was feeling. Her chest tightened, her cheeks flushed, and her muscles went tight. “What does that mean?”

Canyon used a spatula to turn the grilled cheese on the heated grill, then he deftly opened the can, dumping the contents in the sauce pan with such force, a drop splashed out on his shirt Seren wore. “It means you don’t have to pretend to be dumb to further your outlandish claim. Everyone who has half a brain knows how to use a stupid can opener.” With a little more force than necessary, he slammed the utensil down on the table next to her hand.

Letting out a breath, she pressed her lips together and picked up the opener. “Let me tell you something, mister! I’m not stupid!”

Canyon was listening. He was also watching the fire dance in her beautiful blue eyes. The one thing he wasn’t doing was responding – because he couldn’t get a word in edgewise.

Seren was letting him have it.

“I am not dumb, I’m just inexperienced. I watched you use things, but my focus was always on you, not the trappings of a life I couldn’t lead. I have existed for one purpose and one purpose only.” She leaned toward him, narrowing her gaze. “To take care of you!” She picked up the plastic and steel utensil and wagged it in his face. “Like a can opener with one function – although I can’t personally prove this tool has a function – I too was used for one purpose. I mastered that purpose and knew no other!”

“Easy, angel.” He took the could-be weapon from her and placed it on the table. “I didn’t mean to ruffle your feathers.”

“I’m sorry.” She sank to her chair. “I don’t feel right.”

“Do you need to go to the doctor?” he asked, becoming completely serious.

“No.” She shook her head. “I think I’m just hungry.”

“Eat the sandwich and I’ll heat the soup.” He placed a plate in front of her, becoming completely serious. “When was the last time you ate?”

She gazed at the food as if unsure what to do with it. “I don’t know. It’s been awhile. A month or two, I guess. We don’t have to eat to survive, being immortal and all.”

Canyon refrained from making a crack about his disbelief. Instead, he poured her a glass of milk and fixed his own plate. “Come on, eat up and you’ll feel better.”

She picked up the sandwich and took a bite, mostly crust. The butter melted in her mouth and the taste exploded on her tongue. “Oh, my.” Seren almost swooned. “This is ambrosia.”

“Glad you like it.” He cut his eyes toward her and smiled at the expression of ecstasy on her face. Picking up the saucepan, he moved the soup

back and forth in it, trying to spread the heat to the liquid quicker. “So, you’ve always been my caretaker?”

“No.” She shook her head. “I replaced a watcher named Javan who was sent away on a special mission.”

“I lost my guardian to a special mission? What kind of special mission?” He didn’t know why he was humoring her, but he was. Truthfully, he enjoyed talking to her. Seren shrugged and his large T-shirt fell off one delicate, creamy shoulder, drawing his eye. God, he loved to look at her.

“I’m not sure,” she said after swallowing another bite of sandwich. “I don’t warrant much information compared to others. I think it had something to do with accompanying one of the higher-ups to a distant planet, an envoy of sorts.”

As Canyon filled two bowls with tomato soup, he responded, “Oh, so there’s life on other planets?”

“Sure. With at least a hundred billion stars in a galaxy and there’s approximately ten trillion galaxies in the universe, that adds up to about a septillion of stars, as in a 1 with twenty-four zeros behind it. With a universe that big, did you actually think Earth was the only inhabited planet?”

Canyon joined her at the table, placing the soup next to the sandwich plate, giving Seren what was basically a blank stare. “Have you ever seen an alien?”

“Well, no,” she conceded gracefully, “but I don’t get out much.” She winked at him. “I’m stuck with you.”

“Good answer.” He laughed and took a big bite of sandwich. “Tell me about your family.”

“Don’t have one,” she stated calmly, taking a sip of soup from a spoon. “Other than you.”

“Huh,” he grunted, not sure what to say to that little tidbit of information. “How’s the food?”

“Very good.” She smiled at him. “I don’t know what’s happening to me. Or why.” She opened her hand and stared at it. “I have lines in my palm, I’ve never had those before. I can feel temperature and hunger. I’m acquiring human characteristics.”

Canyon opened his mouth to make a condescending remark about how absurd she sounded – but her next observation knocked the thought right out of his mind.

“I can’t seem to stop noticing how handsome you are, that’s just not right.”

“I’m handsome?” Canyon hadn’t heard those words come out of a woman’s mouth in a long, long time.

Seren waved her spoon. “Of course, you are. You always have been. Sometimes just looking at your face takes my breath away.” She dabbed her mouth with a paper towel. “You’re so strong, I’ve always loved to watch you work without a shirt. The heat from the forge makes your muscles glisten. Actually, you’re sexy as he…” With a wide-eyed startled look, she met his gaze, her fingers coming up to cover her mouth. “Uh. Oh.”

Uh-oh was right. Canyon’s hand slid down to cover his burgeoning package. “What’s wrong?” Suddenly, everything seemed pretty right to him.

“I’m not supposed to feel things like this. It’s forbidden.” She put down the remainder of her sandwich and took an uneasy drink of milk, the glass shaking in her hand. “I think I might be sick.”

“Do watchers get sick?” He felt odd himself.

“Not as far as I know, but…” Seren chewed on her lower lip. “Things have gotten weird.” She looked into his face. “Canyon, I know this is awkward for you, having me visibly here. I wish I could fade back into the woodwork. I’m sure I will soon. Until then, if you’d just let me do my job, I’ll be as unobtrusive as possible.” She gave him a playful grin. “After all, you’re high maintenance. You can’t afford to be without a watcher. You take too many risks and you get so preoccupied with your work, you don’t pay attention to what’s going on around you. Remember what happened with Jacob’s new bull?”

Yes, he did remember. “He was a bit aggressive. I didn’t know he was wandering loose.” He started to ask how she knew about the incident, but he knew what her answer would be. “I think that huge animal is part Billy goat.”

“Well, you were all bent over shoeing that horse with a red bandanna hanging out of your back pocket. I guess your upturned backside was just too big of a temptation to resist.”

“So, my backside is too big?”

Seren laughed. “No, it’s just the right size. Big. Like the rest of you.”

Canyon groaned softly. One part of him was getting bigger by the second. Canyon had to bite his tongue to keep from asking if he tempted her enough to give him a kiss. Instead, he drained his glass of water, trying to cool the heat rising in his body. “Good thing all he did was stand and paw at the dirt. He could’ve butted me into the middle of next week.”

“The only reason he didn’t was because I stood between the two of you. I looked that bull in the eye and told him how the cow at the cabbage.” She nodded her head as if emphatically making a point. “If he was going to get to you, he was going to have to go through me.”

For some reason, this didn’t make Canyon feel any better. Picturing this delicate creature facing off Jacob’s big bovine like some bullfighting gladiator made his heart dip in his chest. “Well, don’t do that. I can take care of myself.”

Seren scoffed. “Humanity is a paradox. So durable. So resourceful. Yet, immensely fragile. A flesh and blood creation can be hurt or destroyed so easily.” After muttering the words, she held up her hand and stared at the tiny veins beneath the skin. She placed a finger to her wrist and felt a faint pulse. “This is a complication I didn’t foresee. I can’t afford to be destructible.”

“What do you mean?” Canyon asked as he finished the last of his sandwich.

Seren pushed her plate away, unable to finish. “I’m not sure. All I know is that I have a responsibility and I have to figure out how to take care of you…even in this strange state I find myself in.”

“You quit worrying about me and just take care of yourself.”

“Impossible.”

In light of his previous decision, Canyon tapped the table. “I’ve been thinking about what to do with you. Honestly, I considered alerting the authorities to try and get you some help.”

Seren understood what he meant. “You mean mental help. You think I’m crazy, I know.”

He couldn’t deny the truth. Even though he wanted to believe her – hell, he was unbelievably attracted to her – the logical, skeptical side of him couldn’t latch onto her incredible claim. “I don’t suppose you could offer me any proof of what you are. How about letting me see your wings?”

With a delightful giggle, Seren propped her elbow on the table and cupped her chin in the palm of her hand. “Like John Travolta in Michael? I wish I could. They don’t seem to translate to this dimension. Although…” She felt on the back of her shoulder blade. “I think you can feel where they attach right here.”

As much as Canyon wanted, he couldn’t risk taking her up on her offer. He knew if he ever started touching her, he might not be able to stop. “Yea, I bet if I touched your hair above your forehead, I’d feel little horns trying to sprout.”

“Not nice, Brady.” She tried to think of further proof she could suggest. After some contemplation, she sighed. “The only way I can prove it to you is by doing what I do best – taking care of you.”

The nonchalant way she declared her plan of action impressed Canyon. “Well, I have to say one thing – you sure do have a one-track mind.”

“Where you’re concerned, yes,” she agreed with him as she brought her feet up into the chair and stretched the end of the T-shirt down over her knees.

Canyon felt a soft spot growing in his heart. She was such an enigma, a riddle he desperately wanted to solve. Half-angel, half sexy imp, she intrigued him as no other woman ever had. “Okay, how’s this?” Yes, he must be crazy. “You can stay here until we figure something else out. And while you’re here…”

She smiled and squealed with absolute delight. “While I’m here I’ll watch over you, I’ll take care of you, I’ll clean and cook for you!”

“Do you even know how to cook?” he asked with amusement at her exuberance.

“No.” She shook her head. “But…how hard can it be?”

He held up a calming hand. “Don’t worry about the cleaning and cooking, we’ll do that together. What I do want from you, however,” he paused and realized she was waiting with bated breath for him to finish his sentence, “are stories. I want you to tell me things that will amaze me.”

“Like Scheherazade? You want me to entertain you with secrets of the universe? A thousand and one nights of fabulous tales?”

“Well…maybe not that many. Let’s just see how it goes, okay?” He glanced around. “Tomorrow, while I’m at work, you can make yourself at home and try to stay out of trouble. Okay?”

“No.” Seren frowned, shaking her head so hard, her spiral curls bounced in the air. “I have to go with you. You have more accidents at work than anywhere else.”

“Now, how will I explain you to Jacob and Denver? Answer me that, pray tell.”

Seren screwed up her mouth, thinking. “Well, tell them I’m your apprentice.” She held her arms up and made fists. “I’m strong!” When he gave her a disbelieving stare and shook his head, she made another suggestion, “I know! Tell them I’m your niece! Or, your sex slave!”

Canyon had picked up a crumb of bread on his thumb and put it in his mouth. Her last suggestion caused him to suck the morsel of food down his windpipe, which set off a paroxysm of coughing.

She jumped up and came to him, ready to perform the Heimlich Maneuver. He held up a hand, staving her off. “I’m fine.” Cough. Cough. “Water,” he gasped.

Seren grabbed his glass and filled it with water, bringing it back to him posthaste.

He drank the liquid, gasping for breath. Once he drained it, he set it down and lifted his head to glare at her. “How in the name of all that’s holy does an angel know anything about being a sex slave?”

“Your Amazon Fire, I watched the movie Fifty Shades of Grey.”

Canyon felt his cheeks growing warm and his cock growing harder. “Did you like it?”

Seren blushed. She put her hands up to feel her warm cheeks. “Yea, it was weird, but I liked it. I got so into it, I didn’t make it upstairs to stop you from stubbing your toe on that wooden box where you store your boot polish.”

“Yea.” Canyon grimaced at the memory. “That hurt like a son-of-a-bitch.” As he reminisced, he realized he wasn’t arguing any more about the fact she seemed to know everything that happened to him – down to the smallest detail. Okay, tomorrow, just for his peace of mind, he’d look for cameras and bugs.

Somehow… he suspected he wouldn’t find any.

“Okay. It’s getting late and I have to work tomorrow.” He stood up next to her. “Let me show you to your room. If you must go with me tomorrow, we’ll just tell them…” Hell, none of her suggestions would do. “Hell, we’ll come up with something, I’m sure.” Holding up his hands in surrender, he headed down the hall with her following close behind. “Just try and be good. No hanky-panky.”

“Hanky-panky? Me? I’m an angel, remember?” She held her hands behind her back as she followed in his footsteps.

“A watcher, you mean.” He opened the door to the guest room. “Here you go.”

“Yea, a watcher.” How he thought she was going to guard his sleep from here, she wasn’t quite sure. Seren decided not to say anything, she’d wait until he fell asleep and take her usual position. “Thanks. I’ve always liked this room. Blue is my favorite color.”

“Yea, well…it’s a room.” He flipped on the light. Canyon didn’t think anyone had ever slept in here. After Kim left him, he’d sold the home they’d shared with Matty, moving to try and escape the painful memories. “Do you think there’s enough cover for you on the bed?”

She surveyed the bed in question, noting the old-fashioned quilt. “I’m sure this will be great.” Seren remained in place, waiting for him to leave. He seemed…reluctant. “Don’t worry. I won’t bother anything. I’ll leave everything just the way it is.”

“Oh, no. Didn’t cross my mind.” He still lingered.

Seren giggled. “Well, I know you’re not worried that I’ll skip out on you in the middle of the night.”

Canyon mirrored a weak chuckle. “No, that didn’t cross my mind either.” What was crossing his mind was picturing her in the bed. All warm and cuddly. Maybe – she might get too warm and slip off his shirt. She’d be naked again, like he saw her earlier. All smooth, soft, creamy curves. “Uh. Dammit!” He shook his head to get rid of the erotic image. If she was indeed an angel, he’d probably end up getting struck by lightning for his lascivious thoughts. “Goodnight,” he said quickly and took his leave, pulling the door shut behind him.

 

*  *  *

 

“Daddy, don’t let me go. Hold me tight. I hurt so bad.”

“I’ve got you, Matty. I’ve got you.” Canyon’s heart broke into a billion pieces as he held his little boy close. He’d give his life to take away the child’s pain.

Cancer was a fucking cruel bitch!

He clutched his little boy to him as tight as he could without causing him more discomfort. His little body was so frail. So weak. He closed his eyes and counted every precious exhale of breath that brushed his neck.

And when those tiny puffs of air ceased, he bellowed his anguish…

“No!”

“No! Matty, no! Don’t leave me! Please, God. Don’t leave me!”

Canyon thrashed in the bed, reliving the agony of his child’s death.

Seren rose from her place across the room where she’d been watching over him. Going to his side, she placed a soothing hand on his brow. “Matty’s with his grandmother, but I’m here, Canyon. I’m here.” How many nights she’d hovered near while he suffered with the horrible memory, she didn’t know. “I won’t leave you. I’ll never leave you.”

The voice sounded so familiar. As Canyon drifted between wakefulness and sleep, he could swear he’d heard that same voice a million times before. As he tossed his head from side to side, his chest aching with indescribable anguish, her soft hand offered him comfort. Her voice, more audible this time, seemed to reach through the depths of despair to provide a lifeline for him to grab onto.

“Shhh, Canyon, I’m here, love.”

Reaching up, he grasped that hand – holding on. He could no longer reach Matty, but he could cling to this woman who offered him a gentle touch and the gift of peace. As he clawed his way out of the webs of the nightmare, all of the events from losing Matty to this moment seemed to swirl around him, making Canyon feel like he was being sucked through a vortex, a whirlpool of memories. With great effort, he opened his eyes to see Seren’s face. Her eyes were closed too. A myriad of emotions clawed at his chest and throat. He felt confused and resentful. “What are you doing in here?”

Until he touched her, she’d been in control. Her sole aim to soothe and console, to ease him from reliving the unthinkable.

When his hand clasped hers, however, everything changed.

She felt overwhelmed with emotion.

From the beginning, Seren was inexplicably connected to this man. Specifically designed to love him unconditionally, her very existence was devoted to standing between him and any harm that might come his way.

But now…in the mysterious state she found herself in, seemingly with one foot on Earth and one still in Heaven, Seren experienced desire for the first time.

She trembled as his touch awoke something within her she’d never known before. A pleasure unlike any other. A longing for more of him.

When she didn’t answer, Canyon pushed himself up in bed, dislodging her hand. The vestiges of the bad dream kept his heart hammering in his chest. A cold sweat beaded on his temple. The woman offering him solace was staring at him with an odd expression on her face – one of surprise – and something else he couldn’t readily identify.

“Fuck.” He threw the covers back and jerked to his feet. “I’ll ask you again, what are you doing in my room?”

“The same thing I always do. Watching over you. You were dreaming. I woke you up,” Seren almost mumbled her answers, distracted by the epiphany she’d just experienced. This fracturing of her concentration was further proof that things were different.

She was different.

“Get out.” Canyon strode to the door of his room, clearly expecting her to follow. He wasn’t so much angry as embarrassed to be seen in such a weak moment. “I don’t need or want a stalker in my life. If I wanted you in my bedroom, I’d invite you.”

Seren found herself reacting to his words. “I’m not a stalker.” The fact that the word fairly accurately described a watcher was beside the point. “I’m your bodyguard – of sorts.” She was still reeling from the way his touch made her feel. “I have nothing but your best interest at heart.” And rubbing his chest to see if it was as delicious to the touch as it was to the eye.

“I don’t care what you are. I want you out of my room.” Before he flipped her on her back in his bed and begged her to stay.

When they came to the door, he held it open until she walked through, then he shut it – locking it behind her.

“Dang it,” she whispered when she was effectively shut outside Canyon’s room. Just for argument’s sake, she pressed her body hard into the wall. If things weren’t crazy for her, she’d have melted right through the solid surface, emerging on the other side. Invisible, yet very much present at Canyon’s side. “Arg,” Seren growled softly when all she succeeded in doing was bruising her backside.

With a huff of resignation, she sank to the floor, determined to keep her ear to the wall and stay as close to her unwilling charge as possible.