All Over Again (Sequel to Wanted Man)

Chapter Thirty-Seven

CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

McKenna sighed as she sank into one of the deck chairs. It was nearly ten at night. Cynthia was inside, finally asleep in one of the guest rooms, and Loki had yet to return. The cup of tea sitting on the chair's arm had long since gone cold and she spent a good portion of the evening so far wondering if she hadn't made a mistake.

She understood why Loki didn't want her to remain on Earth. Yes, she would definitely be safer in Asgard, but at the same time, she was tired of running away every time something became a little too dangerous for Loki's liking. And she was definitely tired of waiting. All the waiting drove her nuts. And with the waiting came the worrying. And with that, came sleepless nights and when she did sleep, it was marred by nightmare after nightmare.

That was the part Loki didn't understand. Probably because that was the part she didn't share with him. He had no idea how she spent so many sleepless nights sitting on the ledge in their room, staring out at the Asgard Sea, wishing for the peace of mind that would allow her a solid eight hours of dreamless sleep. He didn't know about the nights she woke in a cold sweat, her heart pounding, her mind racing, her lungs struggling to draw in breath. He had no idea about any of it. He didn't need that worry on top of the worry he already carried.

Leaves crunched and she sat up, the hair on the back of her neck prickling to life. She relaxed, though, when Loki emerged from the woods, with both Thor and Sif at his side.

"Hello, McKenna," Thor said, pausing to brush her cheek with a kiss. He must have recognized the storms brewing in her eyes, because he said, "I'll be inside if anyone needs me."

Loki only barely glanced at his brother as Thor went inside, and when he turned to McKenna, his face was grim. "You will not argue with me on this," he said by way of greeting as he clomped up the deck steps. "Sif stays with you."

"Loki," McKenna rose from her chair, arms over her chest, "I don't need a babysitter." She glanced at Sif. "No offense."

"Of course not, my lady." Sif gestured to the doors. "I'm going to go and get a drink."

McKenna and Loki continued glaring at one another as the door shut and Sif disappeared inside. Then, McKenna shook her head. "Do you really think I'm that helpless, Loki? That I need someone to watch me, like I was one of the kids?"

"I think you have an overinflated view of your ability to defend yourself against someone trained in the arts of fighting and weapons, yes." He nodded, also folding his arms over his chest. "And you are too damn stubborn to admit it."

"Loki-"

"McKenna, you are a mother. And before that, a barmaid. You have no idea how to protect yourself against someone who in determined to kill you."

She felt the blood drain from her face as she shook her head. "A mother. And a barmaid. That's how you see me? A helpless, brainless wench, right? You know, I've kind of wondered when it'd come up-the fact that I was a barmaid. Not much of a wife for a prince, huh?"

"What're you talking about? I do not give a damn that you were a barmaid, McKenna. But I do give a damn if something happens to you. Not because I think you helpless or brainless, but because you're my wife and I would rather you live long enough to see our children reach adulthood."

"Really? And you think I can't defend myself?"

"McKenna, the Chitauri disarmed you with little effort. I don't think an organization such as H.Y.D.R.A. would have much more difficulty. And I will not apologize for wanting to keep you alive. I will never apologize for wanting to protect you."