Page 45 of I Don't Need Your Protection

Crossing my arms over my chest, I lean against the door of what looks like a shed. “I think you needed a break, that’s all.”

She narrows her eyes at me. “A break? I was having fun.”

I nod slowly. “Fun is the problem. You weren’t paying attention—”

She steps closer to me, poking her finger in my chest. “You told me I can have fun, didn’t you? That it’s your job to watch over me so I can live my life. I know you’re having a miserable time, but you can go home. I’m fine.”

“I’m not leaving you.”

She glares at me. “Oh my gosh. It’s Warner, isn’t it? You just can’t let it go, can you? I’m going back inside.”

I take hold of her wrist, yanking her back to me. “Wait.”

She pulls free. “I’m not putting up with this BS. If you have a problem with Warner, take it up with someone else. Leave me alone, Caleb.”

I scan her eyes, noting how ticked off she is with me right now. How do I explain that I have a bad feeling about that guy when I don’t have any proof? In all my years on the job, I’ve never been wrong. How do I tell her to be careful when I want her to live a normal life?

Maybe I just need to accept that the guy will touch her. He’ll get closer to her, if she wants it. And I’ll be there watching his every move to make sure he doesn’t step out of line.

“I was…” I glance at her, then away. “I just want to make sure you’re okay, that’s all.” I know she was looking at photos of her parents yesterday. I didn’t want to push because I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable.

She blinks. “What? I’m fine. Or I was until you pulled me away. Do I have your permission to go back now?”

I nod.

She turns to go.

“Addilyn?”

She faces me.

“Just be careful. And listen to your instincts.”

She squints, as if thinking, then nods. I keep some distance between us as we make our way back inside.

She returns to her friends and Warner who haven’t left the dance floor. Warner bends close to ask her something, and I look away because I can’t stand it. But then I push through and force myself to watch her flirt with him for the next half hour or so. Addilyn looks like she has an unlimited supply of energy.

I just can’t look away from that bright smile on her face. It makes something shift inside me. But that feeling quickly vanishes when I find Warner smiling back at her.

This is how it goes for most of the night. Addilyn barely glances my way, only once or twice before putting her full attention on that guy. Maybe it’s for the best because as much as I don’t trust that guy, I still want her to enjoy herself.

After they’ve been dancing for a bit longer, Warner fetches more drinks for Addilyn and her friends, which they appreciate. Warner leaves to hang out with his friends, while Addilyn and her friends chat in a corner of the room. She seems a little disappointed that Warner walked off.

Her friends nod to each other before they head for the exit. Addilyn’s eyes meet mine and she motions that it’s time to leave. I can’t jump to my feet sooner, eager to get out of this place. Once we’re outside, she searches around, possibly for Warner, but she can’t find him anywhere.

“You’ll see him at school,” Sophie tells her.

She nods, though she still looks disappointed.

I don’t let Addilyn out of my sight as I get in my car and follow Carly’s back to campus. I wait for them to enter the girls’ dorm before I sneak inside, making sure not to get caught. I hide in the shadows and behind plants or statues as I makemy way to Addilyn’s room. After unlocking it, I slip inside.

Only to find the place empty. Immediately, I search every part of her room. I know she came in here because I heard the door shut. Did someone climb in from the window and…?

The bathroom door is shut and I can hear her inside, muttering to herself as she wrestles with her dress. I release a sigh of relief.

Suddenly, the bathroom goes silent. “Caleb, is that you?” she calls.

“Yes.”