24

Veronica

I didn't see Stefan for three days after what happened in the cellar. Maria just said he'd gone out on business. I don't know how I'd missed him leaving the bed that morning. I wondered what time he had left. I hadn't even felt him move when he'd climbed out of bed. All I knew was I'd slept like a rock in the warmth and safety of his arms. This man who would steal me away—he was the one who made me feel safer than I'd felt in years. Ever since my parents had died.

I'd been so young, but with Robyn being younger, I'd become her protector, in a way. It wasn't even a conscious thing. It felt good to finally let go. So good, it made me realize how I'd been holding on for so long.

But what about Robyn now? What would happen to her, now that I was gone? Who would protect her?

This idiocy about feeling safe in Stefan's arms, what was that? Shouldn't I feel the most afraid there?

But the image of him that night in the cellar, of his eyes, I couldn't get it out of my head.

Stefan Arma