The tiny elephant, with its trunk curled upward, that stood for luck and protection. I’d picked knowing how lucky I was to have her in my life and hoping it would always keep her safe.
I closed my eyes as emotion lodged in my throat, pressing a kiss to the top of her head.
Eventually, I fell asleep beside her.
But I didn’t loosen my hold on her.
And I wouldn’t let her go again.
13
ADDIE
Iwoke up gasping for breath.
My heart stampeded through my chest, like it might break free and run for the hills. My legs kicked, and my arms flailed uselessly as I fought against an attack I hadn’t seen coming.
This time, my weak attempts to escape failed, not because Finn overpowered me.
But because Blake had his arms wrapped around me.
At the first sign of my struggling, his grip relaxed instead of tightening.
So I would know I was free.
He ran his hands up and down my back.
So I would know I was safe.
And he whispered reassurances and words of comfort in my ear.
So I would know I wasn’t alone.
My brain registered every action, tucking them away as if hoarding each one for sparser months. And my chest split open as if cleaving my young and reckless heart in two.
Only this time, it didn’t run for the hills. It was where it belonged.With him.
I lifted my face from his chest, grimacing at the mess of tears I’d left behind.
He observed me carefully, his eyes heavy-lidded with sleep but still intent as he studied my reactions. They jumped between mine as he searched for ways to help me through what I’dexperienced. What they’d rescued me from last night. What I’d chosen to escape.
He still didn’t see it. How he’d already given me the only thing I ever wanted—him—holding me. Staying by my side. And facing the world with me.
Suddenly, I needed him to know everything.
I couldn’t hide behind the fear of exposing my heart anymore, when even that hadn’t saved it. I needed him to know everything I wanted, my true feelings, and how I’d always loved him.
So I kissed him.
I pressed my lips to his and prayed silently that he wouldn’t pull back, and although he stiffened in surprise, he didn’t move away.
He held still.
And then, slowly, ever so carefully, his arms banded around my waist and tugged me closer.
He kissed me back.
His lips gliding over mine, soft and inquisitive, he welcomed my affection. He moved cautiously, as if introducing himself to a stranger he’d always been hoping to meet.
