Page 35 of Beneath Scarred Vows

"However long it takes." His eyes meet mine, challenging me to understand—or to leave, I'm not sure which.

"Takes to do what?" I ask softly. "What are you looking for?"

There's a beat of silence, and I can almost see him debating whether to let me in or push me away. He goes to speak and then stops.

It's subtle—but it's there. That flicker of uncertainty in a man who never seems to hesitate.

"Threats," he says finally, stepping toward me, closing the distance until barely a breath separates us. "Especially now that you're here."

"How does me being here change things?"

"I'm still surprised you don't know how much of an impact you have on those around you." His gaze drops to my mouth for a fraction of a second before returning to my eyes, making my pulse quicken.

I look away, ignoring his comment. It's easier to not think about myself, so my mind goes back to him. Night after night, standing here alone, scanning for danger while the world sleeps. What a burden. What a prison he's built for himself.

"Is this all because of what happened with your dad?" I ask gently.

"What did Calli tell you?"

"Just that you've been acting a little different." I shrug. "She's worried about you."

He looks away, back toward the windows. "She shouldn't be. I'm doing what needs to be done."

"By not sleeping? By wearing yourself down?" I step closer.

"Why do you care, Katerina?" he asks, his voice dangerous. "Are you really worried about your new husband?"

"I'm just curious, that's all."

He smirks as his eyes rake over my face. "Is that so?"

I roll my eyes, turning away before he can see too much. That's when I notice the chessboard on a side table by the window. The pieces are all set up—like someone started a game and never got to play.

I walk toward it.

"You play?" I ask, running my fingers along the black knight.

He nods once. "Yes. Do you?"

I pull out a chair and sit. "Never. So teach me."

He blinks. "Now?"

"If you're going to stay up all night, I'm staying up with you."

There's something in his expression—caught between amusement and disbelief.

"Katerina…"

I rest my chin on my hand. "What? Afraid I'll beat you?"

He smiles. "You don't even know how the pieces move."

"Then you'd better start teaching before I win on accident."

He watches me for a moment before walking over. He sits across from me, his forearms still bare, like he owns the board, the room—and maybe even me.

He picks up a pawn. "This one moves forward one space. Except on the first turn—it can move two."