The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 12

Kane had been uncharacteristically quiet during the drive back to the cabin. When they arrived, he turned to her with an intense gaze.

"Annie, I want to talk to you about something, and I need you to hear me out, okay?" Kane said, his voice low but earnest. "I really would feel more comfortable if you stayed with me here at the cabin."

Annie's eyes widened slightly, but then understanding flickered across her face. "You're right," she said, her voice quiet but resolute. "And I have to admit, I feel the same way. That way, if they come after me, my family isn't at risk."

Kane's expression softened with relief. "Exactly. I know it's asking a lot, but after those threats—"

"It's not asking a lot," Annie interrupted gently. "It's smart. And I'd rather be here where we can watch out for each other."

"Good," he replied, giving her hand a gentle squeeze.

Inside the cabin, Annie moved to the kitchen counter, her mind still processing the lead about Sam Rivers, while Kane checked the windows out of habit. But as they went through these simple motions, she became acutely aware of the shift between them. The way Kane's protective instincts had sharpened after the threatening messages. How natural it felt to be here with him, even though nothing about their situation was normal.

The realization hit her quietly but with startling clarity: she might be falling for Kane Mercer. Not just grateful for his help, not just attracted to his steady presence. She had no idea what his plans were after this - where was he going after they wrapped things up here? The uncertainty should have terrified her...

The sharp trill of her phone ringing jolted her out of her thoughts.

Annie's stomach turned when she saw Davis's name flash across her screen. No doubt this wasn't a friendly call. She sighed, bracing herself as she answered. "Hel—"

"Annie, you're making a big mistake here," he cut her off. "You just couldn't leave it alone, could you?" His tone filled with malice.

Annie and Kane locked eyes as fear started to creep into her bones.

"It's in your best interest if you don't keep pushing. People like you and all your friends... y'all are going to find out what happens when you cross the wrong people."

Three short beeps rang in her ear as the line went dead.

Kane saw the look in Annie's eyes, the way her hands were shaking as her fear was now fully settled inside her. Without a word, he crossed the room and pulled her into his arms.

Annie stiffened at first, but then, as she felt the strength of his arms around her, the tension in her muscles slowly began to melt. She could feel the thundering of her pulse and their own tension between them.

"Kane..." Her voice was a whisper, a plea. For what? She wasn't even sure. To make it better? To make it all stop, even for a brief moment?

In an instant, Kane's lips met hers, his kiss urgent, almost desperate. His hand cupped the back of her head, holding her to him as if he were afraid she might disappear.

Annie responded instinctively, her own hands reaching up to pull him closer. The kiss deepened, fierce and untamed, a rush of emotion flooding through them both.

Kane pulled back, his chest heaving, his eyes dark.

"I'm not sorry," he said, his voice hoarse. "I couldn't... not... anymore."

"I'm not sorry either," she finally whispered.

They stood there in the quiet of the cabin, both breathless, both changed by what had just happened between them.