Page 36 of Deep Within Me

His color deepened. From embarrassment or desire, Liz didn’t know. Could be it was a bit of both. He glanced away quickly as though he feared her reading his emotions. His attention snagged on her makeshift outfit. He pressed his lips together as one did when fighting laughter.

She sighed. “It was all I could find. Those for me?”

He seemed to recall that he was holding a pair of jeans, a pale-yellow tee, underwear, and suede moccasins. Clearly, they were from one of the younger women, just as Liz’s last outfit had been.

“Yeah.” He handed the items over.

Their hands brushed as Liz took the clothing. Longing flooded Jacob’s face. He glanced at her once more then looked past.

So different from when they’d first met. Then he’d been pure alpha, trying to outdo Zeke, determined to make her want him the most. Oddly enough, Liz found Jacob more endearing now than she had when he’d been putting on his macho act.

And an act it had been. She sensed this was the real Jacob. Filled with uncertainty. Touchingly sweet. “Thanks.”

He nodded. “When you’re dressed, I’ll take you to the dining room.”

Liz already knew the way, having been there several times before. “Where’s Zeke?”

Jacob hesitated a moment then shrugged.

Okay. So he knew where his brother was but wasn’t telling. Rather than confront him on it, Liz backed into the room. “I’ll be out in a sec.”

He didn’t try to follow her inside as he might have yesterday. Like a good boy—or a man who’d lost a battle he hadn’t had a chance of winning—he waited in the hall.

As she pulled on the garments, Liz thought she’d heard him sighing a couple of times. She wanted to talk to him, have a real conversation about his feelings, what was going through his mind, but didn’t dare. He might not be the arrogant alpha he’d tried to portray, but he was still a man. His insecurity would only intensify if she acknowledged it.

Once she’d dressed, they headed for the communal dining area, walking side by side toward the mouthwatering scents of freshly baked bread, bacon, cinnamon, and coffee that had wafted up here. Not liking their uncomfortable silence, Liz asked, “How’s your leg?”

Jacob regarded it. “Good as new.”

“And your jaw?”

His hand flew to the nasty bruising as though he was surprised she’d noticed it. Upon touching the discoloration, he winced.

“Bad, huh?” she asked.

“It’s fine. Hardly hurts anymore.”

Sure. “Want me to heal—”

“No.”

He’d cut her off so quickly, Liz stopped. After a few steps, Jacob also came to a halt and glanced over. Again, their eyes met. In his, she saw concern and a longing so deep it stole her breath.

When Liz had told Zeke she didn’t want him and Jacob fighting over her, Zeke had dismissed her concern, stating that Jacob was just being the younger brother, wanting what his older sibling had. His feelings had everything to do with envy and lust, not love.

At the time, Zeke’s explanation had seemed reasonable. Not now. Liz saw something in Jacob’s expression she’d also seen in Zeke’s whenever he looked at her.

My God.

Before Liz could voice her thoughts, Jacob continued down the hall. He kept his distance even after she’d caught up, clearly honoring his brother’s claim.

Because Zeke had saved his life during last night’s battle? Because Kele’s foolish desire for him had caused it? Whatever the reason, it seemed to have touched something deep within Jacob. Changing him, making him grow up to become a man much like his brother. Kind. Honorable.

Those qualities in Jacob called to Liz as they had with Zeke. She longed to take his hand and offer some comfort, perhaps friendship, but didn’t, sensing he’d pull away.

At the landing, he stopped and gestured for her to go first. “They won’t be serving breakfast much longer,” he mumbled. “We better hurry.”

“Are you protecting me from your clan?”