I was caught between fear and distance. “I…” I started, but the words tangled in my throat.
“I saw you leave. I needed to know what you’re hiding.”
He stepped closer, rain dripping from his hair, his expression unreadable. “You followed me?”
“You’re keeping secrets, Daniel!”
“Because I’m trying to keep you alive!” he snapped. “You think I’d drag you into this if I didn’t have to?”
“Then tell me the truth!” I shot back. “Stop deciding what I can or can’t handle!”
The storm between us broke open again…fear, anger, something darker, something almost tender. But his eyes hardened.
“This isn’t about trust,” he said tightly. “It’s about survival. And right now, you’re making it harder for both of us.”
I took a step forward. “So you’d rather shut me out than let me help?”
His jaw clench
