My stomach grumbles, reminding me howhungry I am, and I make quick work of finishing off washing my body. Ocean won’t be too long, I don’t think. She darted out a little while ago with the promise of returning with food, along with sourcing a lock for the door.
I’m ready for both of those things when she gets back.
I owe her big time.
My gut twists. I used to think I owed Walker the world before he shattered my perspective last night. I can’t let Ocean do that to me too. A niggling thought tickles the back of my mind, considering Rion, Kael, and Thorne too, but they don’t have a hold over me like that.
Definitely not.
Shutting the water off, I reach for the beige towel I found in the cabinet. It’s fluffier than the others. If it’s Ocean’s, I owe her even more, but I couldn’t choose one of the scraggily ones instead. Perhaps I should figure out a way to go shopping for some essentials for my room.
Regardless of whether I want to stay or not, it’s clear that running isn’t an option now. My heart doesn’t ache with the thought like I expect, knowing the only thing to run back to would be my parents, and there’s nothing there for me. I’d rather stayhere and die at the hands of The Sanctum than go back there.
Securing the towel around my chest, I relish in the plushness, a soft smile curling my lips that I spot in the mirror above the vanity. It makes me pause for a beat, my facial features locked in place as I assess myself. Nervously, I move a step forward, taking a closer look at myself.
The bags under my eyes look like they would be worth a fortune if there were any money in there, and the bloodshot rims around my irises solidify how rundown I am. Other than that, it doesn’t feel like there’s anything else to see. It’s just a girl with haunted eyes and a sad frame. Irritated by that fact, I stand taller, rolling my shoulders back. It’s hard, but for the first time, I encourage the strength inside of me that has never before had roots to grow. It has to now. Where I’ll find the confidence for this, I have no idea but I will find it.
My hair is plastered to my neck, water running down my back, and I groan. I wish I could just snap my fingers and dry it like Ocean did. I’m not asking her, though; she’s already doing enough.
With my spine straight and my shoulders set, I nod at my reflection. I have no idea what today is going to entail, but I’ve got the strength to get through it regardless. Eager to ride the wave ofconfidence thrumming through my veins, I exit the bathroom, only to stumble to a halt the second I step over the threshold to find I’m not alone.
A man sits at the foot of my bed, elbows braced on his knees, fingers laced together, and his head dipped, resting his chin against his chest. It’s a look of defeat, one I wore moments ago in the shower. My stomach churns, knowing the feeling well.
“Rion.” His name is a breath, but he hears it nonetheless, tilting his face to see me.
I didn’t expect to see him here, but more than that, I didn’t expect to soften in his presence again. I have to remind myself that I’m mad at him as I tighten the towel, gripping the fabric like my life depends on it.
I’m thankful we tidied the room up this morning so my bed is back in its usual spot, putting a few extra feet between us.
When all he does is stare at me, I clear my throat. “What are you doing in here?”
“I saw Ocean leave,” he rasps, his eyes looking as heavy as mine, but I refuse to let him get under my skin.
“And you thought that meant you could enter?” I clarify, and he shrugs, looking down at his hands.
“I was worried you would do something stupid again.” His words make me pause. I blink at himagain and again and again, but it does nothing to reveal the lie in his tone.
Desperate to downplay the whole thing, I shake my head, forcing a fake smile to my lips. “What else is left for me to do?”
It falls flat as he sits tall, eyes finding mine as his knuckles turn white from gripping his knees. “Are you okay?”
He makes me pause again. I hate it, but even more, I hate that I can’t lie.
“I don’t know.”
He nods as though he knows the truth, but he’s settling for the fact that I’m not lying. His gaze falls to his lap before returning to me a few moments later.
“Come here, Elodie.”
I shake my head instantly as I clear my throat again. “I want you to leave.”
“Why?” His eyebrows gather in confusion as I shrug.
“Because I do.”
A small smile dances across his lips. “Because I make your heart race faster?”
“No,” I blurt, flustered, and his grin widens.
