Live Another Day by Baileigh Higgins (finding audrey .txt) 📕

That was how long it had been since she and Logan arrived at this refuge. And a haven it truly was.

The beautiful houses with their whitewashed walls and deep gray thatched roofs were the pride of St. Francis. Lush gardens and trees filled all the backyards and lined the street. On the canal, wooden jetty's jutted onto the green waters of the river, while the beach was a stretch of gold that edged onto the deep blue of the sea waters.

The inhabitants were kind too. At least all of those she'd met so far. Marie, the lady in charge of supplies, Kimberley, Martin's young daughter, and Thys, Martin's second in command. Even Martin was likable. He was stern and uncompromising, yet fair. The type of leader that led by example.

There was no need for fear or to go around armed all the time. The town was safe, kept so by the dedicated men and women who manned the walls and kept watch. It was a beautiful feeling, this freedom from death. I've enjoyed my time here. It's so calm and peaceful. Like time has ceased to exist. Is this it? Is this what home feels like?

She'd never known a real home. A place where she felt safe and loved. Growing up with an alcoholic mother had been hell. A hell made bearable solely because of her brother Bobby. Until that day.

Another loss. Another cut to the heart.

So many.

When will it ever end?

A deep voice intruded on her thoughts. “Good morning, Nadia.”

Caleb.

“Morning,” Nadia replied, conscious of a sudden stirring in the pit of her stomach. She twisted in her seat to look down at him. Her mouth went dry at the sight of his face.

“Do you mind if I join you?”

“If you want.”

She moved up a bit to make room and watched as he climbed up the rock with the lithe ease of a leopard. He sat down next to her, so close that their legs touched. Her skin prickled at the contact, even through the material of her tights.

She swallowed. “It's a lovely day, isn't it?”

“Yes.”

“You're up early,” she tried again.

“So are you.”

It was evident that neither the weather nor the time of day interested him. She knew very well what did, however, and it flustered her. “I―”

“You know why I'm here,” Caleb interrupted.

“Yes,” she admitted.

“It's the same reason I'm here every day.”

“I know.” A knot of heat formed in her breast, spreading out to her extremities until it felt like her whole body was on fire.

From the moment she'd met him, Caleb was an enigma. In his mid-twenties, he was a man of few words and intense emotions. He'd made it clear that he wanted her and would stop at nothing to get his way, much to Logan's irritation who viewed him as a meddling boy.

“It's the same reason you come here every day,” he said. “Because you know I'll follow.”

“That's not true,” she protested. “I come here for the view. For the peace.”

“Perhaps,” he conceded. “But that's not the only reason why you come here. Admit it.”

“I...” she sighed, at a loss for words. What Caleb said was the truth. She did come here because of the view, because of the calm it infused into her raw soul, but she also came because he'd be there. Every day, without fail.

“You cannot deny it.”

“I can try,” she whispered.

Her own emotions confused her. She still missed Branden, of course. Not a day went by that she didn't feel guilty over his death and wished that she could take it back. But Caleb stirred something in her that she never knew was there before. He made her feel things she never thought existed. Just another complication in my life.

“You know I'm right. We belong together, Nadia.” His green eyes cut her to the quick, the sharp angles of his face harsh in the morning light.

Nadia shivered at the sound of her name on his lips and longed to reach up to him. She didn't. Instead, she shook her head miserably. “You're wrong.”

“Just give me a chance. That's all I ask.” His earnest look pleaded with her. An expression not typical for his haughty features.

“I'm telling you I can't.” She looked away with a determined set of her shoulders and gritted her teeth. Usually, at this point, he would back away and leave her alone. Today, the touch of his fingers on her jaw startled her, and she whirled around with a gasp.

“Nadia,” he said. His eyes bored into hers, and he leaned in for a kiss.

For a breathless second, she wished she could let him. Then reality set in, and she jerked away as icy fear washed through her veins. I'll kill him. “No, I can't. Leave me alone, Caleb.”

“You know I can't. I won't.”

“You have to; you don't understand.”

“Then tell me why.” Frustration twisted his lips. “Just tell me.”

“I can't.” She scrambled off the rock and onto the sand.

“Can't, or won't?” he called after her retreating back.

“Both,” she whispered as she rushed back to the house. Silent tears streamed down her face. I'm sorry. I can never touch you, never let you close. Or you'll die.

Once inside her room, she slammed the door shut before leaning against it for a moment to gather her wits. Since the moment she'd met Caleb, he'd been problematic. Both for her peace of mind, and the secret she kept from this town. Nobody here knew what she was. Nobody here looked at her with condemnation or loathing. Only she and Logan knew the truth, and that's the way she wanted to keep it. It was a selfish desire, but one she couldn't let go of.

After wiping her face and brushing her teeth, she put on her shoes and padded down the hall toward the kitchen. Right then she longed for a cup of coffee. Anything to warm up the core of ice inside her heart.

At the breakfast table, she encountered Logan. He looked good, fresh from a bath and clear-eyed. He'd kept his promise,