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“Whatever,” I mumbled, staring at my feet.
“I know there is so much you want to ask, but if you want to talk, I’m here.” he said and nudged me playfully.
I smiled and stayed quiet.
“I still find it unbelievable that your family kicked you out. If they cared even a little bit, they would be next to you even if the whole lie were true. I can’t imagine what you’re going through. The people you needed the most in a situation like that abandoned you and …” He paused. “Chloe?” he called, touching my chin and raising my face. “Shit, I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he sighed and brushed the tears away with one swipe of his thumb.
“It’s not you,” I whispered and looked down at my hands again. “It still hurts every time I think of it. How they shut the door on me like I was a stranger to them. It’s the worst feeling ever—to feel unwanted, unloved, and be treated like you are not enough. My sister didn’t even try to …” I paused, choking on my tears.
The memories whipped like acid on a gash. I sobbed, putting my face down. I didn’t care Adrian was next to me or how vulnerable I appeared.
“Can I hold you?” he asked, and I nodded.
His long arm wrapped around my shoulders, and I snuggled closer, resting my head on his solid chest as I cried.
“I’m sorry,” he whispered. “I wish things hadn’t turned out this way,” he said.
I felt his warm lips on my forehead and the soft brush of his fingers on my arm. It took a while before the tears stopped.
“I should leave you to get ready for bed,” he said, pulling away.
I fought the urge to drag him back. Everything about him was just comforting—from his voice to his smile and kind gestures.
“Yes.” I nodded, wiping the leftover tears away.
“Please, don’t cry again. Even if you make the cutest sounds, I still hate seeing tears on your face. You’re enough, Chloe. Don’t ever doubt that. Good night.” He smiled and walked out of the room while I sat there, thinking about his last words.
“Good night, Adrian,” I managed to let the words out after he’d left.
CHAPTER9
BRUISES
Icould still feel the smile on my face after Adrian walked out of my room. It was too soon to be getting comfortable with anyone, especially someone related to the asshole who had stolen my life away from me. Adrian was sweet and had been so nice to me since I’d gotten here, but I didn’t want to read too much into it.
I’d allowed him to see me cry like a baby and opened up to him about how broken I felt about my family throwing me out, and honestly, I felt lighter, as if a weight had been lifted off my chest. I guessed I never asked myself why my family had given up on me so easily.
I missed Grey. I wanted to hate him and stay mad at him for believing everything that had gone down in the church, but I wanted us to talk. He still refused to answer my calls or my texts.
I looked around, searching frantically for my phone to call Vina. I wanted to talk to her about Adrian. Maybe she would knock some sense into me and tell me not to warm up to him because he couldn’t be trusted.
“Where is the stupid phone?!” I screamed in frustration.
I found it under the duvet and quickly dialed her number.
“Pick up the phone, Vina.” I dialed again, but she didn’t answer the call.
I grunted, burying my face in my palms. I groaned again, not sure what I was really afraid of.
A light knock on my door made me jump.
“Chloe, are you awake?” I heard Tristan’s voice.
I reached to turn off the lamp, but the door opened. I pulled my hand away and stared at him.
“Why are you staring at me like that?” he asked, cocking his naturally carved eyebrows. He folded his arms and leaned on the doorframe, waiting for an answer.
“What do you want?” I asked, not looking at him. I hated his presence. Every time I saw him or heard his voice, I felt enraged, and I just wanted to ram my fist through his face.
