“I’m choosing you, too.”
I whirl at the sound of Katy’s voice and see her tear-stained face. I yank her into my arms and hold her tightly to me.
“I’m so sorry. This is all my fault.”
I shake my head vehemently, but she starts sobbing. I rock her in my arms as Banner engulfs us both until she settles a little. Once she’s calmer, she lifts her head and searches out Olivia.
“I wanna get emancipated.”
“You got a dollar?”
I grin, remembering when we did this. Katy pulls one from her pocket with a frown and hands it over.
“Consider me hired.”
“What? You can’t do that,” Banner’s father splutters.
“I’m sorry, sir, but I’m not at liberty to discuss my client with you,” Olivia tells him with a huff, making Katy grin and Banner snort.
Banner’s father turns his hateful glare on me, clearly laying blame at my feet. What a surprise. “How quickly you forget who has the power here.”
Fuck you,Mr. Bannerman.
I suck in a deep breath before letting it out. Then, for the second time in as many days, I take a leap of faith.
“You might have power on your side, but I have the truth on mine.” My voice squeaks like a rusty wheel, but as I look around at the stunned faces, I smile. “And apparently, I have an army, too.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
BANNER
There were more tears when we got home. She cried again when I peeled her wet pants down her legs and pulled her into the shower with me, where I couldn’t stop touching her. I was afraid she’d disappear on me if I turned my back for even a second.
Once the water runs cold, I lift her out and dry her off before tugging my T-shirt down over her body.
I cup her face and kiss her nose before pressing my forehead against hers. “I know we need to go back, but I just need a moment to breathe where it’s just you and me. Hence, why we’re standing in your avocado bathroom and not my modern one.”
“Katy?” she whispers. Her throat started to hurt earlier, I suspect from years of not being used, so I told her to stop talking. Of course, she doesn’t listen to me. Stubborn woman.
“Katy’s fine. She has Blake, Marcus, and Arlo keeping an eye on her.”
She nods and lets me lead her out of the room and downstairs to the sitting room. With the furniture all set out, it looks much better than it used to, especially with the fresh coat of paint. But the rest of the house still needs a lot of work.Once upon a time, I wanted nothing more than to buy it so I could burn it to the ground. Now, though, I’m wondering if there might be a better idea.
She walks over to the sofa and curls up on the edge of it, pulling the thick quilt from the back of it over her.
“You cold?” I frown, but she shakes her head.
“It’s my emotional support blanket,” she whispers, making me chuckle.
“I’m going to make you some tea for your throat. You gonna be okay on your own for a minute?”
She offers me a smile before nodding.
I head into the kitchen and start the kettle to boil, rummaging in the cupboard until I find the tea bags she likes. I add one to a mug with a bit of honey. Once it’s boiled, I pour in the water and stir it, leaving the bag in. I carry it out to the living room and pause in the doorway when I see she’s fast asleep already.
I grin, shaking my head as I place the cup on the bookcase. I sit beside her and stroke the hair back from her face. She doesn’t stir, so I sit and watch her sleep. I could watch her sleep for a lifetime, and it would still never be enough. I press my lips to her in the barest of kisses before pulling back. She needs the rest.
I glance at my watch when it vibrates and see a message from Katy asking me if I’m coming home.
