But it didn’t stop the hollow ache gnawing through my chest.
30
Graham
Rageburnedinmeas I stared at the stairs where Quinn had disappeared. I wanted to go after her, pull her against me, tell her she hadn’t done anything wrong. She’d tried to hide behind that layer of ice she was so good at building, but I’d seen the hurt in her eyes. It gutted me.
I had thought this wasn’t a good idea, but I just…didn’t think they’d be this hostile.
I should’ve protected her better.
Clenching my teeth, I forced myself to look back at the group. My gaze caught on Jake, who immediately looked away. He’d had a strange, jittery energy since the meeting started. If I expected hostility from anyone it was him—not the nervous, restless energy he was giving off now.
Around the circle, some of the tension seeped out now that Quinn was gone.
“That was…” I began, shoving down the anger to remain as calm as possible. “Uncalled for.”
“I’m sorry, Graham,” Mara said softly, touching my arm.
“Why’d you bring her here?” Jenna snapped.
I met her glare head-on. “Because she asked to come. Because she has been unfairly judged by this town since the moment she set foot here. And because…” My voice caught, the words suddenly too tight in my throat. “Because I thought more of you all.”
She stiffened. A long silence followed, one that was uncomfortable, but I didn’t break it. These people had been through hell. Trauma could make you empathetic…or it could make you hard and bitter. I’d hoped it wouldn’t be the latter.
Jake shifted in his chair, the metal squeaking as he bounced his knee faster.
Letting out a long, slow sigh, I leaned forward, resting my elbows on my knees. “Let’s talk,” I finally said to the group. “That’s what we’re here for. I’m sorry I disrupted things, but this is supposed to be a safe place to speak—for anyone. No matter who they are.” I glanced at Jake. “What’s going through your mind, Jake?”
He nearly jumped out of his skin at the sound of his own name. “Nothing,” he said instantly, crossing his arms tighter over his chest.
“We all know it’s not nothing,” I said, but I didn’t push him.
He looked away.
This was going to be an interesting group meeting.
Once the tension simmered down, people eventually talked. They vented about the escape, and their fear, about what safety even looked like anymore. Some cried. Others reached out, comforted one another. I offered grounding techniques, security tips—small things people could control when everything else felt too big and chaotic.
But the whole time, no matter who spoke or how deeply I tried to stay present, my thoughts kept drifting upstairs.
To Quinn.
By the time I dismissed the group, there was only one thing on my mind: getting back to her.
Istayedinleadermodeuntil the last person filtered out of the basement—everyone except Mara, of course, who lingered the way she always did while we cleaned up.
“I’m sorry for what happened,” she said as we climbed the stairs to the main floor of the library. “But I am a little surprised you brought her tonight.”
I stiffened. “It was a mistake. I didn’t think…”
I wasn’t sure what I had been thinking. I just hadn’t wanted to disappoint her. I’d hated the look on her face when I’d tried to tell her it wasn’t a good idea to come.
She’d been crushed.
“You were trying.” She touched my arm again. “You always try so hard. I hope she’s not too upset with you.”
I glanced away, anxious to go find Quinn. “I should go talk to her.”
