"He's right. Not about you being in danger, but about my past. I did something awful that cost a lot of lives, and I was never charged, barely even investigated because of the scandal it would have caused. It was swept under the rug and I was sent to a different part of the world in a new unit."
His voice was careful, expecting the worst, and Kendle nodded calmly, hating the Kraft heir just a little for the pain in LJ's eyes. There was no comparison between the two men and she liked the fact that Ethan had backed down. It said she was safe with Luke, that he could handle things.
"I knew it was something like that. How terrible to have carried it so long. Alone."
Surprised by her reaction, or lack of, he repeated his words, "He's right. You should be with your own kind."
Kendle sighed, shaking her head as she pulled off the dirty gloves. "You're my kind. He just can't understand how it is with us. He only wants me because I say no."
Luke's eyes darkened as tension invaded the room. "How is it with us, Kendle? Tell me, so we'll both know."
Face red and heart thumping, Kendle stared at the floor. "I don't think we should do this yet."
"Too soon?" he asked, trying to steal himself for her words of rejection, despite the kiss he couldn't stop thinking about.
"Too awkward. It…may not be what you're hoping for and I... I don't want to hurt you."
Luke smiled at her, voice sad. "You'd be surprised by how little I'd settle for."
He let out a gentle sigh filled with resignation, as if he knew he wasn't worthy and it broke her heart to see the hurt lurking in his face.
"I understand. I'm content with our friendship."
"Really?"
He bent down to place a soft kiss on her cheek that sent chills into her belly. "Yes. Anything more is up to you."
Unsure where the future would take them, Kendle followed her heart. They would take what Fate gave them. "I know I don't want any strings. I haven't made plans for the future."
"And you don't have to. We'll keep things like they are."
Kendle shook her head, heart saying it would never be enough. Not now. "I'd like to try a little more."
Luke's breath caught in his chest at her words, "What do you mean by a little, Darlin'?"