Make amends and move on.
I fling the door open.
ASHER
“Aspen, please don’t shut me out right now. I need to make sure you are okay. I can’t live with knowing that you could be in there suffering alone. Please.”
She doesn’t respond, of course. I let my forehead rest against the door.
“I’m not leaving until I know you are going to be okay. I will sit here all night if I have to,” I promise her.
“The hell you will. You need to back away right the fuck now. I will not hesitate to put a bullet in your brain.”
I turn to find Eagle at the end of the hall, glaring at me.
I don’t know what his deal is with me, but I don’t care. I won’t leave her, not like this.
“You don’t know what she is going through right now. She needs me,” I tell him.
“It looks like she needs some goddamn space,” he growls at me.
I go to speak, but the door opens, drawing my attention to it.
I soften, whispering her name. “Aspen.”
The next thing I know, her body crashes into mine. I wrap my arms around her, holding her tightly as she sobs against me.
“I’m sorry. I’m so sorry,” she whispers.
“It’s okay. I don’t need that. I need you to be okay,” I whisper to her.
I glance up and find Eagle standing there in shock. He had been walking my way when he paused.
He clears his throat, drawing Aspen’s attention.
She pulls away from me, making me want to punch Eagle in the face. I watch as she wipes her eyes quickly before turning toward him. I find a little peace when she leans against my chest at her back.
“Are you okay?” he asks softly.
She nods. “I will be.”
I hate seeing the openness she had just displayed disappear before my eyes. I can see her rebuilding those walls to keep the world out. For that alone, I want to murder Eagle.
I had seen progress, and he ruined it by sticking his nose where it does not belong.
“Is he bothering you? I can make him leave,” he tells her.
I appreciate his protectiveness of her, but she’s not his to protect. He wasn’t there with us. He didn’t see what I saw. Didn’t have to do what I did to keep her safe. He doesn’t get to step in now and take my place. I refuse to allow it.
Thankfully, she doesn’t buy into his shit.
“I love you, Sam. You know that, but I can handle myself. I don’t need you to step in every time things are a little messed up with me. Please stop blaming Asher for it too. He is at the mercy of my moods as much as you are.”
“Aspen…” he starts.
“I’m fine. I won’t be the same Aspen you knew. I need to figure out who I am now. I’d appreciate it if you give me a chance to do that.”
“Okay,” he whispers.
