AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“Thank you for bringing me here. For sharing your home with me.”
He hands me a bottle of water. “No problem,” he says, lowering his gaze.
“Hey, are you okay?”
He gives me a small smile. “Yeah, I’m not used to having anyone over.”
“Oh,” I say, bewildered. “Well, I’m glad you invited me.”
He gives me a tour of the impressive home but respectfully leaves out his bedroom and the main bedroom. He shows me the guest bedroom. It has a queen bed with two large nightstands and a walk-in closet. A large floor-length mirror was nailed to the wall. It has access to a bathroom with a free-standing tub and double vanity.
“You can stay in this room. No one has ever used this room. It would be a shame to have you stay in the trailer instead of here. It’s perfect, and I think you’ll be safer. And…”
“You won’t be alone.”
“I guess we both get something. You get a place, and I get someone to hang out with after work. There’s internet and a study to do homework. I hope I’m not offending you with where you live, but I thought?— ”
“You’ve thought this through,” I tease him, playfully lightening the mood.
He flicks off the light in the bathroom. “I didn’t give it much thought because I didn’t need to.”
My chest squeezes.
“Thank you, Azriel. I’ll think about it.”
“Take all the time you need. It’s here if you want it.”
I feel like I’m floating. I’m warm. I feel safe, like nothing could get me. Not the nightmares. Not the memories that plague me or the need to run. The weird smell on my hands from scrubbing my skin instead causes tingles like feathers, awakening all my nerve endings.
I don’t know where I am, and then it all comes back to me. The popcorn. The scary movie I couldn’t say no to when Azriel suggested watching The Conjuring after Friday, the 13th, and I ended up falling asleep on the loveseat.
I peel my eyes open. My tongue stuck to the roof of my mouth because of all the popcorn, soda, and candy Azriel offered. It was like he had a snack machine. He had every candy there was.
When my eyes adjust to the stream of light coming through the curtains, I recognize the linen curtains. I’m in the guest room.
I feel something large and hard next to me. My head snaps to my right, and my heart drops. Hazel eyes look straight at me.
“You’re beautiful when you sleep.”
I scoot to the edge of the bed and look down. I sigh in relief that my clothes are still on. The only thing missing are my shoes.
Panic sets in my veins.
“How did you...?”
“The same way you did, the front door.”
I look around. “Where’s Azriel? If you hurt him, I’ll?—”
He chuckles. “He’s sleeping in his room.” He places the palm of his hand under his cheek and holds his head with his elbow bent on the bed. “He likes you, and that’s a lot. He doesn’t like anyone.”
I’m standing on the side of the bed when I ask, “How do you know him?”
“Get back in bed, and I’ll tell you.”
I shake my head. “I can’t.”
“I’ve taken care of my hard work three times. All in your name. I’m good for a while.”
