Page 39 of Misery

I nod. "Both of us."

Saga looks between us. "Wait. You're staying at our place?"

I don’t stutter, just point out the cold truth. "Until the threat's eliminated."

"That could be weeks."

"Then it's weeks."

Elfe doesn’t argue with me, we just get ready, and she gets back on my bike like she was earlier.

The feeling of her against me does something to me, and I can feel myself slowly breaking.

I’m trying to keep a wall up between us, but I know I’m going to break one way or another.

The ride to Emil's is uneventful, and when we arrive, I get an up close and personal look at the place.

Secured garage, biometric scanners, enough technology to make the place nearly impenetrable.

They did a good job, honestly.

The dogs bound out of Emil's truck, immediately starting their patrol.

"Elfe obviously already has a room," Saga says as we enter. "Oskar, you can take the couch or?—"

"He'll take the spare room," Emil interrupts. "Down the hall from Elfe's."

It’s a relief to be sleeping close to her, for security purposes, but also for my own selfish needs.

"I'll help Elfe settle in," Saga offers.

They disappear down the hall, leaving me with my brother.

"Beer?" he offers.

"Yeah."

We sit in his kitchen—modern, expensive, nothing like the safe house in Panacea.

This is a home. Their home. Where they've built something I'm invading.

"I know you. She’s not just some job to you anymore, is she?" Emil observes.

"Never was."

"Want to tell me about it?"

"No."

"Fair enough." He takes a pull of his beer. "You know Ivar's going to be a problem when he figures it out."

"He'll fall in line."

"Are you sure about that? Man's protective of his daughters. Especially after what happened to Elfe."

"Which is why he'll accept what's necessary to keep her safe."

"Even if what's necessary is you?"