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I finally stood, waiting for the right moment to go to not only him but Casper too. “We’ll protect you, El. Always. Cas isn’t going anywhere. Not to seek him out, not back to his place to hide. Isn’t that right?” I peered down at Casper and saw his throat work in the low light from the hallway.
“I’m—”
“Staying,” Elic cut in. “You’re staying.”
“I will.” Casper’s default was to leave. He’d just told Elic he wouldn’t. I hoped he meant it because I didn’t want him to go either. If he did, I’d chase him to the ends of the earth. Elic would too.
Elic reached for me as he clung to Casper. We stayed that way for a bit until I could coax them into bed, with assurances if Elic had another nightmare, there was no place we’d rather him be than with us.
Like before, I was awake for a while until I finally felt my eyes drop closed. With my arms around Casper and his around Elic, the three of us drifted to sleep and didn’t wake until well into the morning.
24
CASPER
I’d kept my word and stayed. Four days had passed and the only time I’d left was to go to the restaurant, the farm, or run errands. I hadn’t been back to my place and had zero desire to go there. Reed, however, went and grabbed clothes and other belongings for me. He worried if I went, I wouldn’t come back. Elic set me right though. I was wrong about how he felt and jumped to a conclusion. And ran.
Elic had gone to work the past two days. I offered to go with him, but he said he had to stand on his own. I respected him for it. Too bad it didn’t ease my worry. At least when he worked, there were plenty of people around to keep a lookout, especially Cadence. She was as tough as they came. She’d swing and connect if need be.
Tonight, we were getting out of the house. The local fair was taking place. It was something Reed had loved since we were kids. Every year we’d go. Once we blew up as musicians, we missed quite a few of them. We weren’t on tour currently and the fair had been going on all week. Reed insisted he didn’t need to go, but I knew him. He loved this shit. Plus, we were playing there tomorrow night. As soon as the organizers knew our schedule, they booked us. It’d been years, and we were looking forward to it. I loved the thrill of playing in large arenas; however, there was something special about playing for the home crowd.
“We don’t have to go,” Reed said for the fifth time today.
“We’re going,” I growled.
“We are,” Elic stated firmly. “I appreciate everything you two do for me, but sitting in this house or staying on the farm isn’t healthy. We should get out and have fun together.”
I pointed to Elic and looked at Reed. “You going to tell him no?”
Reed dropped his head back and groaned. “I’m not.”
“Good. Grab the keys to the Olds and let’s go.” If we were going to the fair; we were going in that damn muscle car of his that made me hard every time I saw him behind the wheel of it.
Elic scanned the surroundings when he pushed the button to open the garage door. Starry was at the main house for the weekend. With us being away tomorrow night too, it made sense for her to be with the family pack of dogs.
I went to Elic and put my arm around his waist. “You’re okay. I won’t let anyone touch you.”
“He’s out there. Logically, I know he’s in jail, but my mind won’t let go of what will happen when he’s released. He knows where I am.”
“If he comes near you, I’ll kill him.”
Looking at me with those sweet eyes, he said. “You won’t do that. I need you here.”
“I won’t kill him, but I’d like to.”
“Is it wrong if I say I’d like you to as well?”
“Not at all.”
Reed started the car and revved the engine as our cue to get moving. He could say he didn’t want to go; however, he was excited now that he knew we were. Elic got into the back seat, and I got in the front with my longer legs. Dash and Slater said they’d see us there. They planned to walk around, to enjoy the sights and sounds.
I was still upset over the shit Slater said, but not like Reed was. I was more upset with myself. What else was new? I’d thanked the Meadows brothers when I’d finally gotten out of bed that morning after I drank myself stupid. Dash sent back a heart and Slater said nothing at all, which was fine. At least I told them thank you. Reed and Slater would mend what was between them. When? Fuck if I knew.
We were pulling out of the garage when Elic asked, “What are you going to do tomorrow night, Reed? About performing with Slater?”
“Play like always. I don’t need to talk to him.”
“So… I forgot to tell you something. With everything going on, I fell asleep, and it slipped my mind until they were brought up today.”
