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She sighed. “I have a few, and then I have to go to the library and work on a paper.”
“Then get your day started, Aurora. And do it knowing you aren’t alone. I’ll call the boys later, and we will fix a time and place to meet.”
Finally, a bleak smile came to her face. “Thank you, Benjamin.”
I cast a quick glance around me. The room was empty. Lifting her palm, I planted a soft kiss on her knuckles.
“You mean more to us than you’d know. We’re going to protect you.”
I walked Aurora to her next class and followed it up by picking up the books I needed. By the time I got back home, it was a little past five in the evening.
Emma was sitting in the bedroom, her eyes fixed on the television. She’d become hooked onTom and Jerryonce again. I smiled.
I went into the kitchen and fixed us two frothy lattes, hers with a bit of cinnamon, some hazelnut creamer, and a slab of Lindt stirred into the coffee.
She remained silent as I walked into the bedroom, our drinks in my hands. I handed hers over and sat down beside her.
We finished our coffees in companionable silence, no words spoken or needed.
I set up the cushions for her, and she leaned back. I sat down beside her and let her do her own thing.
After some time, I heard it rather than seeing it. A tiny cry. Like a heart being ripped apart. That second, I knelt down beside the bed and took her hands in mine.
She broke down, her tears falling in thick streams. I tightened my hold on her hands. She joined me on the floor and wept on my shoulder. I felt my shirt soak through.
“Why?” she finally asked. “Why me?”
I wanted to tell her so many things. But I didn’t know why. I didn’t have an answer.
All I knew was that I was going to make it right.
23
Noah
Isat behind the pottery wheel, my bronzed and browned hands modeling wet clay into a form. I imagined her standing behind me, arms wrapped around my waist, face nuzzling into my neck.
Her soft breath on my skin.
I pictured her hands under mine as I guided her movements, working together to make a woman of clay. A woman with her jewel-toned eyes and sweet smile.
Maybe I’d been manifesting her.
“Noah?”
Her voice made me feel things, even if she wasn’t touching me. Just the way she said my name, like a bird chirping at sunset. Or a dandelion floating lazily across a summer breeze.
I turned around and saw her standing by the door of my studio. And I knew something was wrong. I crossed the room in four broad steps and took her in my arms.
She held herself still for a brief moment, and then, her shoulders slumped in mine. It was as if she’d come bearing the weight of the world, and finally, she’d come somewhere she could just release it.
I heard a tiny sob break through her lips and kissed the softness of her hair. “Hey, hey. It’s okay. Whatever it is, you’re safe now. You’re safe.”
After the longest time, she finally nodded. “I’m better, Noah. Thanks.”
I led her to the smaller room inside. I loved this space. It had a long window overlooking the street and a fancy table full of stuff for brewing coffee.
It had been an indulgence, but it gave me the kick I needed.
