His jaw clenched. "You shouldn't have to."
Something in her chest twisted.
She stepped back, putting distance between them. "It's done. I'm fine."
Jake's gaze flickered to the trash can behind her. "Show me the flowers."
She hesitated, but there was no point in fighting. She turned and lifted the lid to the bin, revealing the wilted bouquet, the crumpled slip of paper.
His entire body went rigid. He reached in, plucking the note between two fingers. The moment he saw the word written there, something dark flashed across his face.
"Michael," he muttered.
She looked away. "You don'tknowthat."
He let out a sharp laugh, humorless. "You really think this was somerandomvandal?"
"I think…" She swallowed hard. "I think I can handle it."
Jake's expression hardened. "You shouldn'thaveto handle it."
He reached out, brushing his fingers against her arm. The touch was featherlight, but it sent a violent shiver through her.
"I need you to let me protect you, Hannah." His voice was quiet now, raw with something she didn't want to name.
She shook her head. "I don'tneedyou."
"Then why did you call me?"
The question stole the air from her lungs.
Because she had. Despite everything. Despite the walls she'd tried to rebuild.
Her throat worked around a response, but nothing came.
Jake exhaled sharply, stepping back like he could feel the shift between them, like he knew she was seconds away from breaking.
His voice was rough, his words barely more than a whisper.
"Hannah, if you don't want me here, I'll go." His eyes searched hers. "But if you have to tell me to go, I won't leave otherwise."
She clenched her jaw, her chest tightening.
She couldn't say it.
"It's athreat,Hannah," he said softly. "I can't just walk away."
Her lips parted, the argument dying on her tongue.
Because deep down, she knew he was right.
So she let him stay. Let him lock the doors behind them before they sat in silence, listening to the sound of the rain against the windows.
Jake didn't leave.
Not even once her hands stopped shaking.
CHAPTER 24
