Because Elise wasn’t just someone I wanted.
She was someone I needed.
I held her close, the words I couldn’t speak echoing in my head. The fury was still there, simmering just beneath the surface, but it wasn’t just rage I felt. It was protectiveness. A deep, visceral need to shield her from everything she’d been through and everything she still might face.
I couldn’t get Jax out of my mind. The bastard had touched her, hurt her, made her think she wasn’t worth saving. And that thought? That thought alone made me want to destroy him.
But I knew, deep down, that it wasn’t just Jax I was angry at.
It was the fact that I hadn’t been there for her sooner.
I felt a low growl in the back of my throat, one that I had to bite back.
“You’re safe with me,” I whispered into her hair, my fingers trailing lightly down her back, trying to soothe her, trying to erase the tension from her body.
Her breath hitched, and I felt the subtle tremble in her shoulders. She was afraid. Of Jax. Of everything. And maybe, just maybe, she was afraid of letting me in, too.
But I wasn’t going to let her push me away. Not now. Not ever.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE
ELISE
I WOKE UPwrapped in silk sheets and the ghost of Nathan’s warmth. The imprint of his body still lingered, but he was gone.
For a few drowsy seconds, I laid there, my fingers tracing the faintest outline of where he had been. The scent of his bodywash clung to the pillows, wrapping around me like a second skin. Last night was a blur after I peeled myself out of my dress and into one of Nathan's shirts, the fabric swallowing me whole. The last thing I remembered was the solid weight ofNathan’s arms caging me against his chest, his lips brushing against my temple before I drifted off.
A soft yawn escaped my lips just before my cellphone rang, effectively shattering the quiet morning.
It was Nathan.
“Hi handsome,” I greeted upon answering the phone.
“Good morning, Cupcake,” His voice was deep and rich, laced with a satisfaction that made my stomach flip. “How’d you sleep?”
“Like a baby. Where are you?” I turned my head towards the bedroom door, half expecting to see him walk in the room.
“Half way to Santa Barbra.” Nathan answered. “Sutter is throwing one of his fits again, so I’m gonna smooth things over.”
Malik Sutter, an Edge Records artist, who was known for his temper and selling records. If it wasn’t for the fact that he had such a loyal fanbase, I’m sure Nathan would’ve dropped him from the label a long time ago.
“Sounds like you have a lovely morning ahead of you.” I teased. “I wish you would've woken me up before you left.”
“I wanted you to get some rest after what happened last night.”
Last night.When I found a threat painted on my living room wall left by my ex-boyfriend. First the rose and now this. Jax was leaving a message, one that I was receiving loud and clear.
“If I’m being honest, I could use a distraction from all of that.” I admitted.
“I know. Which is why I called Kelsey and Alessia. They’re on their way now so you guys can go shopping. Ryan will take you.”
“Ryan? He’s not with you?”
“I can take care of myself. My only concern right now is your safety.”
I sighed, knowing there was no point in arguing. Knowing he was looking out for me, making sure I was safe, sent a warm flutter through my chest.
“Stay with them,” Nathan added. “Don’t go anywhere alone.”
