Page 64 of Silent Damage

I motion to the bed right next to me.

Jason starts to speak, then stops. He opens his mouth again, then shuts it. Finally, he takes a breath and asks, “Do you want me to sleep in there?”

The words are there, crowding the back of my throat, trying to jump out.

But I stop them.

I nod, but I don’t know if it’s very convincing, because I don’t even know if I’m convinced. I just…don’t want him out there.

Jason reads the message again, then looks at me. “Are you really sure?” he asks.

I think about the question.

Then I hear his apology and see in my mind’s eye how sweet he was when he asked me to sit down for dinner.

But what really does it is the way he looks right now.

It’s him.

It’s Jason, and that cruel mask he’s worn since he arrived is gone.

I can finally see him again.

And that means everything—more than any shitty comment or mean stare could ever overpower.

I take a deep breath, giving myself the strength to push the word out and say, “Yes,” out loud.

Jason’s mouth drops open, and my eyes stay locked on him so he knows I mean it.

Without a word, and without taking his eyes off me, he rises from the sofa and walks into the bedroom.

When he lies on his bed, I turn to him and nod.

He nods back.

Then I shut off the light.

Chapter 16

Jason

It was one word.

It’s embarrassing to admit what that single word did to me. I practically levitated to the bed. My body moved on instinct, not even a moment of hesitation.

I’m staring at his face in the dark while he sleeps. His long lashes are still my favorite part about him. Well, his lashes and his dark, wavy hair.

His hair is amazing.

Gabe’s hands are pale, and his fingers are long and slender.

No wonder he can draw so well. His fingers are made for it.

All I want in the world is to thread my fingers with his. Gabe lies on his side, one arm bent with his hand resting on the bed. It looks like he’s reaching out to me.

Maybe he is?

My hand wants to move closer…to touch his. Hold it.