Into The Fire by E. L. Todd Page B

you want to see me beg? I’m not above
that.”
    She sighed then stood up. “Fine. You
obviously aren’t going to let this go.”
    I relaxed when I finally got my way. “I know
you’re just being cautious, which I think is smart, but you don’t
need to be cautious with me. I understand you don’t know me that
well but you know me well enough. Just trust your instincts on
this.”
    She grabbed her clutch from the coffee table
then headed to the door.
    I grabbed my wallet and walked out with her.
We left my building then headed up the sidewalk together. People
passed us, hardly visible in the street lamps. It was unusually
quiet and there wasn’t much traffic.
    “Thank you.” Those were words I didn’t say
often, only when I truly meant them.
    “You’re welcome.” She crossed her arms over
her chest like she was cold.
    I hooked my arm around her waist so my body
would keep her warm. She moved closer into my side like she needed
the touch. “So, where do you live?”
    “A few blocks from the park.”
    “Nice area.”
    “I don’t have any complaints.”
    Her waist was so tiny I could wrap my arm
around it twice. “Have you lived here all your life?”
    “Yep.”
    “Where are your parents?”
    “They live here too. I don’t see them
much.”
    “Not close?”
    “No, not really.”
    I didn’t ask her any more questions so it
wouldn’t seem like I was prying. “I know I come off a bit…harsh but
I mean it in a good way.”
    She stared at me with unreadable eyes.
    “I’ve seen a lot of people get hurt and I
just…can’t stand it. I guess a part of me will always be a soldier,
and I need to protect people—especially someone I care about. I
know men are pigs, and I know people can be evil. They’ll take
advantage of you the second your guard is down. It’s cruel, but
it’s the truth. I would never want that to happen to you. That’s
why I need to walk you home.” I faced forward again and watched the
neon signs of the city flash on and off.
    “I know, Ash.”
    At least she understood.
    We approached her building then I walked her
inside. She lived on the third floor and had a view of the street
corner. I walked her to her door, and when she fished her keys out
of her clutch, I dropped my embrace.
    I put my hands in my pockets while I waited
for her to get inside.
    She continued searching in her clutch. The
sound of loose change moved around. She paused and grew flustered.
Then she opened another flap of her wallet.
    “Everything okay?”
    “My keys aren’t here…”
    “Did you leave them inside?”
    “No…” She grabbed the handle and jiggled it.
“It’s locked…which means I locked it before I left.”
    “Did you leave them at the restaurant?”
    “I never opened my clutch.”
    “Maybe they’re at my place. They could have
fallen out.”
    “I never opened my clutch to even look at my
phone…”
    “Well, we can call a locksmith in the
morning. You aren’t going to get anyone out here at this time of
night.”
    “You’re right.” She crossed her arms over her
chest and stared at her door like it might open on its own.
    “Let’s go back to my place,” I said. “We’ll
figure it out in the morning.”
    “It’s okay. I can crash with a friend.”
    “And wake them?” I asked. “Just stay with
me.”
    Hesitance was in her eyes.
    “It’s not a problem. I can play guitar until
you fall asleep.”
    Gratitude moved into her eyes. “You really
don’t mind?”
    “Not at all,” I said. “Why wouldn’t I want a
beautiful woman to spend the night with me?” I winked so she knew I
was kidding.
    “Well…thanks.” She slapped her forehead. “I
feel so stupid losing my keys.”
    “I do it all the time.”
    “I tend to lose things pretty often. It’s
what I’m known for.”
    “You can be known for worse things.” I hooked
my arm around her waist then guided her down the hallway.
    “I guess that’s true.”
    “For instance, I’m known for my cockiness—but
you