Page 12 of I Don't Need Your Protection

His lips press together as he peers into the dining hall. “That may be so. Still, be vigilant.”

I lift a brow. “Isn’t that your job?”

He grunts before slipping away. I know he’s nearby, maybe hiding behind one of these stone statues in the hallway.

Shrugging, I make my way to my room and drop down on my bed. No more than half a minute passes before the door opens and shuts. My warden has arrived.

He plops down on the same chair as before, and I swear I can feel him watching me. But not in a creepy way. That guy’s thoughts are focused on one thing only—my protection. He probably doesn’t even see me as a person, more like an object that needs to be watched over at all times.

I lift my head and look at him. “I think I’m going to turn in for the night. So you can go to your dorm and I’ll see you tomorrow.”

“I’m staying the night.”

My mouth drops open. “What?”

He just keeps his eyes on me.

“But you’re not allowed to be here!”

He raises both brows. “Are you going to tell on me?”

“But…but don’t they check the rooms or something?”

“When they check the rooms, I’ll be gone. But I’ll returnand stay the night to watch over you.”

This is too insane. I can’t help but gawk at him. “And when will you sleep?”

“I’ll sleep when you sleep. Look, I can’t protect you if I’m not here. What if someone breaks into your room during the night? My being in the boys’ dorm won’t help you.”

The thought makes a shiver pass through me.

“It’s not a pleasant thought, but it can happen,” he says. “Which is why I’ll be spending each and every night with you. Why do you think your grandfather arranged for you not to have a roommate?”

“So he knows you’re sleeping here?”

“Of course he knows.”

“But doesn’t he think…? I mean, guys and girls shouldn’t sleep in the same room.”

A slow smile crawls onto his face as he gazes at me. “Don’t flatter yourself, Addilyn.”

I cross my arms over my chest and roll my eyes. “Right. Because I’m just a diamond necklace to you.”

His eyebrows furrow. “What?”

“Never mind. I’m taking a shower. Or are you going to follow me there, too?”

After grabbing my pajamas, I march to the door. I’m about to open it, but a hand presses on it.

Caleb stands there, one hand on the door, one on my waist. It burns where he touches me. His face is very close to mine, lips only a few inches away. I have a good view of his eyes and notice how deep and mysterious they are.

“This isn’t a game, Addilyn,” he whisper-growls. “This is yourlife. I’m here to protect you. That means I go where you go, I do what you do. And yes, I understand this is uncomfortable for you. You want your space, your privacy. But the moment I turn my attention from you, that’s when the enemy will strike.”

I scoff. “This place is like a fortress, dude. No one is coming in.”

“Don’t be naïve,” he hisses, bending even closer. “This place could be crawling with people who want you dead.”

“Or you’re just paranoid.”