Chapter 6 The Risk of Staying

CHAPTER SIX

The rain had stopped sometime before dawn, leaving the estate wrapped in a thick veil of mist. Outside, the air was crisp and quiet. Inside, the silence between Anika and Elias echoed louder than any thunder.

She hadn't seen him since their moment in the west wing.

She spent the morning sketching by the library window, trying to focus on work, but her mind kept drifting-to the photo, the girl with Elias's eyes, and the ache in his voice when he said, "Some burdens are safer kept inside."

She wanted to ask more. She wanted to understand.

Instead, she let the hours pass, drawing lines and shadow until she heard movement near the front of the house.

Elias was by the front door, dressed in a dark jacket, boots laced, keys in hand.

"Where are you going?" she asked, stepping into the foyer.

He didn't answer right away. "The roads are clearing. I'm checking the perimeter."

She crossed her arms. "Need backup?"

He raised a brow. "You planning to carry a shovel or a shotgun?"

"I'm great with a flashlight and sarcasm."

His lips lifted slightly. "Noted."

But when she moved toward the coat rack, he stopped her with a look.

"Stay here, Anika."

"Why?" she challenged.

"Because I need to know at least one thing in my world isn't at risk."

She froze.

It wasn't the words alone-it was how he said them. Like she was the last untouched part of his life. And that scared him.

She didn't argue.

He left. And the house suddenly felt ten times larger without him in it.

It was almost sunset when he returned, drenched and wind-blown. She met him at the door, a towel in hand.

He took it wordlessly, brushing past her. But she followed.

"You haven't said a word all day," she said.

"I didn't have anything worth saying."

"Then lie," she snapped. "Pretend like you care if I stay."

He turned, his gaze sharp. "Is that what you want? Pretend?"

"I want something real," she said. "Even if it's broken. Even if it hurts."

He stared at her like she was made of fire.

Then, slowly, he stepped closer. Inches away now.

"You want real?" he asked.

"Yes."

His hand reached up, brushing a damp curl from her cheek.

"Then know this," he whispered. "Every part of me that feels anything for you... also fears it."

She placed her palm flat against his chest, over the steady beat of his heart.

"I don't need safe," she said. "I need truth."

He closed his eyes.

And kissed her.

It wasn't rushed. It wasn't hesitant.

It was deep. Burning. Bruised. Like a man drowning who finally surfaced.

She melted into him, her arms around his neck, his hands gripping her waist like she might vanish. Everything else-time, pain, doubt-fell away.

When they finally pulled apart, his forehead rested against hers.

"I can't give you forever," he murmured.

She smiled softly. "Then give me now."

And for the first time since she arrived at Bellmore Estate, Elias didn't walk away.

He stayed.

With her.