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37
HARVEST MOON
Evan
Adrenaline courses through my skin as I walk hand in hand with Lexi toward the pumpkin patch. The harvest moon shines brightly above us, the balmy breeze wafting across our skin.
Lexi smiles up at me. “I’m so glad you brought me here. I love spooky season.”
I pull her tighter against me, spellbound by the happiness in her eyes. “I’ll give you anything you want, mi amore.” My gaze snaps up, checking for danger.
Ever since Lexi was assaulted in the restroom four days ago, I’ve been unusually tense and extremely protective of Lexi. The nerve of that bastard, attacking Lexi in the fucking Alistair P. Whitmore Social Sciences, named after my great grandfather.
I wanted to stay home tonight, but Lexi insisted we proceed with our plans.
“Hey, Lexi. Evan.” Sophia’s voice interrupts my thoughts. Lexi squeals, hugging her best friend.
“Hey, Soph. I’m so glad you came.”
My gaze locks with Trent’s. He raises his brows, giving me a familiar look.
I can feel it in the air tonight, swirling around us. Even the breeze picks up, the sense of foreboding floating along it.
All systems go,” I mouth to him after ensuring Lexi was still preoccupied with Sophia.
Trent gives me the thumbs up.
As soon as the girls finished hugging, Lexi and I led the way past skeletons wearing jeans and flannel shirts, holding banjos as they sat on hay bales, pumpkins littered around them. Scarecrows are placed throughout, and with the orange lights scattered around, it lends a festive air to the darkening night sky.
“Oh my gosh,” Lexi laughs. “This skeleton band is adorable.” My heart warms from the happiness dancing in her eyes.
The first two days after the assault were the worst for her. Lexi was haunted by what happened, barely able to eat or sleep. Whenever she did fall asleep, she had nightmares.
All I could do was hold her, wipe her tears, and promise to keep her safe. I couldn’t take away her pain and trauma, and I’ve never felt so helpless.
“Come on. Let’s go to the barn and get in line for a hayride.” I grin at her before leaning down and brushing my lips with hers. “I love you, bellissima.”
Her smile is wide as she whispers, “I love you with all my broken pieces, Evan.”
Her words are like a knife through my chest.
Your time is coming, Shane. Sooner than you think.
My arms are wrapped around Lexi as the wagon takes us out through the field. Lexi points to the corn maze in the distance. “Ohhh, are we going in there?”
I grin at her excitement. “Later, babe.”
“Good.”
Sophia leans in, saying something to make Lexi laugh. I meet Trent’s eyes over their heads, grinning at how close he’s sitting to Sophia. He’s finally softening toward her, realizing she’s not his enemy.
Once the hayride ends, I give Trent a look. “How about Trent and I get you ladies something to eat and drink while you check out the show.” I point to where a group of dancers are dressed like zombies, the song “Thriller” playing as they dance.
Lexi stands on her tiptoes, kissing me. “Okay, but hurry up. I miss you already.”
I grin. “Every time I’m away from you, I miss you. You take a piece of my heart with you everywhere you go.”
She beams at me, then links her hand with Sophia as they run toward the entertainment.
