"Don't forget the owl impersonation."
"How could I?" I said, laughing at the memory. "It was truly unforgettable."
By evening, we'd fallen into an easy rhythm. I cooked dinner while Ryker did the dishes, his sleeves rolled up and suds on his arms. Mabel went from the window to the back of the couch, her presence a reminder of home.
As the sun dipped below the trees, I settled onto the couch, pulling the unicorn blanket over my legs. Ryker joined me, his presence solid and reassuring.
"Do you miss it?" I asked, turning to face him. "The action? The thrill?"
He considered, his expression thoughtful. "I thought I would," he said finally. "But not as much as I thought."
"Really?"
He nodded, his gaze steady. "Turns out, I like this too."
I leaned back, letting my head rest against the cushions. "This? You mean temporary house arrest with an arts and crafts fanatic?"
"Exactly." He chuckled, the sound low and comforting. "Best assignment I've ever had."
I smiled into the dim light, feeling the weight of the past days lift in a way I hadn't expected. "I'm glad you're here."
He reached for my hand, his fingers lacing through mine. "Me too, Lily. Me too."
We sat like that for a long time, the quiet of the woods wrapping around us. Mabel curled beside me, a soft purr rumbling in her chest.
Eventually, my eyes grew heavy, the events of the past days catching up with me. I drifted into sleep, Ryker's presence beside me was reassuring, and that everything was okay, at least for now.
I woke to the sound of his voice, low and urgent. He stood by the window, his phone pressed to his ear.
"When?" he said, his back tense. "And you're sure it's him?"
I stayed silent, my heart picking up speed. He turned slightly, and I could see the hard set of his jaw.
"Yeah, I know," he said. "We'll be ready. Just keep me posted."
He ended the call, turning to find me watching him from the couch.
"What's going on?" I asked, sitting up, the blanket pooling around my feet.
He hesitated, then crossed the room, sitting beside me. "Royal just called. Someone's been asking around."
"About me?"
"About you," he nodded. "And about me. They have to know we're together."
I felt a chill run through me. "Do they know where we are?"
"Not yet," Ryker said, his voice calm. "But it's only a matter of time."
I looked at him, fear beating inside my chest. "What do we do?"
"We stick to the plan," he said, his expression fierce. "We stay off the radar. We stay safe."
The certainty in his tone settled my nerves for the time being. I nodded, trying to match his confidence. "Okay."
He pulled me close, his arms wrapping around me. "I won't let anything happen to you."
Chapter 9
