I rested my hand on his chest. “Go and pay for it.”
He smiled at me, and I watched him make his way over to the till. I couldn’t help the warmth I felt, seeing him again. I’d missed his company.
He walked back over, wrapping his arm around my shoulders. “You ready, my little Astra?”
That nickname was something I hadn’t heard often, only when we were alone, but it always brightened my day. It let me know I was safe with him, and I could be myself without worrying about Jason.
A few minutes’ walk down the road, and we arrived at the coffee shop. The mixed aroma of a nutty caramel with a hint of cocoa hit me instantly as Callum opened the door for me, the sound of beans grinding and the clinking of cups and saucers in the background.
“Sit down, and I’ll go get some coffee,” Callum said, and wandered off to the counter.
The grey velvet tub chairs were soft and comfortable as I sat on one, looking around. The stone walls were painted white with a shimmer of gold to add that elegant touch. It was a cute little vintage place.
Callum soon placed the coffees on the table, with a chocolate twist plated up, and sat in the chair next to me.
My eyes widened slightly as I looked at the cup. “You remembered.”
“Cappuccino with an extra bit of chocolate powder. No sugar. How could I forget? I also got you one of those chocolate twists you like, in case you were hungry.”
“Actually, I’m starving. I didn’t have breakfast before I left this morning.”
I picked up the pastry and took a big bite. It was warm and gooey. This was what I needed right now, something sweet.
“In a rush to buy ties?” he joked.
“Ha, funny. Come here.” I gestured with my hand for him to come closer.
He leaned forward, and I untied his tie and removed it. After placing it in the bag, I grabbed the grey one and wrapped itaround his neck, looping it over and pulling it so it was neat. I ran my hand down it to remove the creases and looked up to smile at him.
“Much better,” I said, leaning back in the chair and taking a sip of my cappuccino.
He straightened his jacket and cuffs, then took a sip of his black coffee. We sat there for a beat in silence. He always had such a warm, easy presence about him that never made me feel awkward. I never understood how he and Jason were brothers; they were complete opposites. Callum was kind, thoughtful, and patient with me. I wasn’t stupid; I knew what he did, but he was never like that around me. Jason, on the other hand, sometimes forced me to watch him torture and kill people. I shuddered at the memories, fiddling with my sleeve.
“Are you ok?” Callum asked, placing his hand on mine to stop me.
I shifted. “I’m sorry, Callum.”
He narrowed his eyes at me. “What for?”
“Jason. Everything that happened. His death. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. Losing a brother …” I trailed off.
He squeezed my hand. “Don’t you dare do that. None of it was your fault. Jason made his choices. He brought it on himself.”
“You don’t have to be nice about it.”
I swallowed hard to push down that sick feeling that was rising from my stomach. He didn’t know I’d been the one to pull the trigger.
“Callum—”
He cut me off. “Where’s your ring?”
I glanced down at my hand for a moment as his thumb grazed over my finger. Callum had picked up on me fiddling with my sleeves anytime I was anxious, which unfortunately wasmost of the time in Leeds. He’d bought me this special ring that I could twist instead.
“I left it when I came down here. It was a reminder of my past, and I knew I didn’t need it anymore.”
“I’m glad to hear that. I never liked seeing you that way.”
“Oh!” I placed my cup down. “I want you to meet my partner,” I said excitedly.
