AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Fuck.Fuck.
I attempt to scramble off the kind stranger’s lap, but he draws me further into his comforting embrace.
“Are you okay?” he whispers.
“Yes,” I answer automatically. I’m always okay. What other choice do I have? It’s not like anyone cares.
“You should wait a few seconds next time someone asks you that,” he says. I lean back enough to give him a questioning look. “If you answer too quickly, they’ll know you’re lying. Give it a moment or two before settling on an answer. Take it from someone who faked beingokayfor a long time.”
I blink at the man before me, unsure what to do with that information. He clears his throat and averts his gaze as if embarrassed at his confession. It endears him to me, knowing he put himself out there to make me feel better.
“Thank you,” I murmur, nibbling on my bottom lip. “I… I’m not okay, truthfully,” I add. “But it’s not something for you to worry about. It’s no one’s problem but my own.”
This time, when I untangle myself from Armando, he lets me. I know it’s irrational, but a pang of disappointment echoes in my chest. I thought maybe this man would fight to keep me pressed against him, but that’s absurd.
As soon as I stand, Armando joins me. “Where are we going, angel?” he asks, a smile curling up the corner of his lips.
I didn’t get a good look at him before jumping into his arms. I knew he was tall, but holy crap. Armando has to be over a foot taller than me. His shoulders are so wide and muscular that I’m surprised he can fit through doorways. Coupled with sharp features and a perpetual five-o'clock shadow, he’s the kind of man I should be afraid of, the kind of man Iamafraid of, but with Armando…
It’s his eyes—golden brown with a hint of green. Buried underneath layers of beautiful colors, his eyes hold something gentle. Something fragile that I want to protect.
Crazy, I know. I’m not making any sense, but then again, this whole day isn’t making one bit of goddamn sense. Who can I trust? Not my family, not my friends, not my co-workers, so why not this man? He’s done more for me in the last ten minutes than anyone else has in the previous twenty-one years of my life.
“Allegra?” he prompts softly when I still haven’t answered. “Do you have anywhere to stay?”
“Yeah, of course,” I lie. Armando raises an eyebrow, calling me out. “I mean, I will. As soon as I call a shelter.” Looking away from his golden-brown gaze, shame creeps up my spine and winds around my lungs until it’s hard to breathe.
Here he is, tall, chiseled, handsome, and kind, wearing an expensive suit, shiny shoes, and what looks to be a very pricey watch. I’m homeless, jobless, and truly alone in this world. I have nothing and no one. How pathetic is that?
“Breathe for me, sweetheart,” Armando whispers, gathering my hand up and placing it on his chest. He inhales deeply, nodding as I do the same. I didn’t realize how shallow my breathing had become. We exhale slowly, and his heart beats reassuringly beneath my palm. It grounds me in a way I don’t understand. “Good. Again,” he murmurs.
Hazel eyes meet mine, pulling me closer, tethering my soul to his. The crashing waves of anxiety slowly recede, and I’m no longer drowning in terror.
“Now,” Armando continues, his gaze never leaving mine. “How about I take you back to my place? You can wash up, get some food and water, and take a nap.”
“No, that’s too much,” I deflect, stepping back. “I need to get away from here. Can you drop me off at a bus station?” My mind starts spinning again when I remember I don’t have anything with me. No cash, no phone, no ID, nothing. “I’ll pay you back for the ticket once I get set up…” I trail off, knowing I have no future and no way to make money.
“We’ll take it one step at a time. You don’t have to plan everything out right now. Just take the next step.”
“I don’t even know what the next step is,” I admit softly, dipping my head.
Armando lifts my chin with the crook of his finger and tucks a lock of hair behind my ear. “Do you trust me, Allegra?”
My instant reaction isyes, though that’s quickly followed by,oh, fuck no.
“I… I want to,” I answer honestly.
“I can work with that,” he says with a soft smile. “Step one is letting me take care of you, just for tonight. We can reassess in the morning.”
“But…”
“I have more than enough room. You’ll have a room with an en suite bathroom. Locks on both doors, and I’ll understand if you want to go straight to your room and lock me out. It will be your safe space, and I’ll only enter if you give me permission.”
“But…”
“And I have a giant lasagna made by my friend’s fiancée yesterday, so you’d be helping me by emptying my fridge.”
“But…”
