Page 21 of Forever Found

David shrugged. “Just let me kill the bastard if I get a chance. And keep your eyes open—he could take revenge on the town. Most likely, he’ll take his wrath out on Lyndsey and me, but you never know. He’s already involved Solis in this mess. There’s no way to know what else he’ll do or even what he is capable of.”

Val seemed to consider that information. “I think I should round up a combat team to ready themselves, just in case.”

“It probably wouldn’t hurt,” David admitted.

It was shortly before sunset when David escorted Lyndsey to the door of Justin’s place. The sky glimmered dark purplish gray with peachy wisps of clouds. Night came early this time of year. “You know it was Caleb who let the animals out, right?” he said.

Her brow furrowed. “How do you know that?”

“I ran into him in the woods.”

“And?”

“I don’t know if I should tell you.”

She shrugged. “Why not?”

“He’s cruel and evil. He would have killed the mountain lion if I hadn’t challenged him.”

“I think he’s taunting me. He may have even been here last night. That terrifies me.”

“You could be right. And it’s healthy to be frightened. Demons enjoy wreaking havoc before they grab their victim.”

“Aren’t angels stronger than demons?” she asked. She faced him, stepping close enough they breathed the same air.

“I’d like to think so. Good triumphing over evil and all that. But…not always.”

“He did this to you…” She smoothed her palms over both his shoulders, then ran them down his arms to his wrists, then interlaced her fingers with his.

“Technically, a dump truck made me what I am today,” he clarified. “I wasn’t an angel at the time.”

“True.” She appeared thoughtful.

“What are you thinking?”

“Wondering how long it will be until Justin comes home. I’m not usually squeamish about staying alone. But tonight…want to sleep on my couch?” she asked. It sounded like a joke, yet there was something else in her voice. She was afraid, and he couldn’t blame her.

“I’m not sure what Justin would think about that. Besides, it’s not bedtime.”

“All these years, I didn’t know about him, so I wasn’t frightened. But now…” She shivered.

“I’m sorry.” He drew her closer, then pressed his lips to her brow.

“That feels good,” she whispered.

He let his mouth dip lower, brushing her cheek. Then lower still until he found her lips. Gently, ready to release her at the slightest hint of resistance, he kissed her. And she reciprocated, deepening the kiss until they both moaned with desire. Slowly, she drew back and looked into his eyes. He swallowed.

“You know what? I’m hungry,” he said, pulling away. “Would you like to see some of the town? I’ll take you to dinner and show you around.”

“Sure. Let me text Justin and see what he has planned. And I’d like to take a quick shower.” Blushing, she hurried to explain. “I went to bed late, then got up late this morning.”

“Whatever you want to do is fine. I’m just your bodyguard.”

“Yeah.” She gave a throaty laugh. “Right.”

“No, seriously,” he pressed. “Until we get rid of Caleb once and for all, I’m here for you. I gave my life for you once; I’m not going to let anything happen to you now.”

* * *