Page 65 of Fighting My Demons

"Want help with that?” I ask him.

Xavier smiles and looks down at his hardened erection.

"No, I want to make sure she eats before we leave. I can wait," he says, wrapping a towel around his waist.

Chapter Thirty-Six

Bella

My hands are shaking when I tell them the address of my old house. Latham is driving. Xavier sits in the backseat with me, and I feel nauseous the entire drive. I haven't been here since after the funeral. I can't bring myself to go back, can't relive what I have done.

My anxiety is through the roof, and the closer we get, the more I sweat, my palms clammy, and my chest constricted. It takes just over an hour before we pull up in the upper-class neighborhood. Xavier looks out at the beachside mansions before glancing at me.

"This is where you lived?" he asks, a little startled.

I know it is vastly different from my run-down apartment. I nod. I am staring out the window when the car pulls into the driveway. The wrought iron gates are closed, and I look up at the house. This place gives me the creeps; just looking at it, I am flooded with memories.

"I will unlock the gates," I murmur, unable to take my eyes off the place.

I open my door and step out. I retrieve the keys from my side pocket as I walk toward the place. The gardens are overgrown, the gates' paint is flaking, and leaves litter the driveway beyond the gate. My hands shake uncontrollably as I try to undo the chain and padlock when Latham's hands fall on mine. He leans down and presses his lips to my shoulder before taking the keys from me.

"I'm right here. I would never let anything hurt you, Bella. Not even your thoughts," he says before a wave of calm slips over me.

I lean against him, watching as he undoes the padlock and pulls the chain. The gates push toward us, and Latham steps back. His hand pulls me with him.

"Breathe, Bella," Latham whispers beside my ear.

I try to suck in a breath. A task that should be natural is suddenly impossible when he tips my chin up so I can meet his gaze.

"I can go in alone if that is what you want. But maybe coming in will help put this behind you; it is up to you," he tells me, and I glance back at the house.

The thought alone churns up many emotions, ones I am not sure I am ready to deal with.

"No... I should go with you. I know you will have questions,” I tell him.

He appears confused for a second.

"More than I already have?" he asks.

I nod before looking away. I wonder briefly if what they see in there will have them running from me. My past is not something I like to remember but knowing what they are, I know they would sense some things I wished I could keep to myself. Shame washes through me; some things I don't even want to admit to myself. It is easier that way. Yet a part of me makes me cringe away, knowing they may see some things that would make them question my depraved mind.

Latham grabs my hand and laces his fingers through mine. I glance down at them before meeting his watchful gaze.

"Whatever happened in there or you let happen won't scare us off, Bella," Latham tells me.

I am beginning to see how their gifts have a certain appeal. Not having to voice my concerns makes it easier when they can sift through my emotions, saving me from having to explain every dirty detail life my life out loud.

* * *

Xavier

The energy she gives off only worsens as we enter the house. “House” is a relative term; the place is huge, but the vibe makes me shudder.

Stepping in, the furniture is covered with sheets, and dust clings to everything, even the light fixtures. I hear her feet shuffle behind us as Latham leads her into the foyer. It makes me wonder how big of a criminal her father was. This sort of luxurious lifestyle would have cost a fortune. The house would be worth a fortune, especially with its cliffside views.

"Can you show us to your room?" I hear Latham ask behind us.

She nods and he lets her hand go. Bella hesitates before walking past me. We walk along the stairs, and we pass a kitchen.