Sean? He flipped my world upside down. Dragged me out of Marcus’s world and dropped me into another kind of prison. One with prettier curtains. We both kept secrets, and nowthey’re coming back to bite us. I trust him to keep me safe… but trusting him with anything else? That’s harder.
I fell asleep in knots.
Now, it’s ten in the morning, and my stomach’s growling. I’ve been listening for signs of movement, but the place is quiet. Figuring I’m in the clear, I slip out of my room and creep into the kitchen. I hold my breath as I pass Johnny’s office, but it’s empty. I breathe again.
The fridge is… something else. Neatly labeled glass containers, color-coded and stacked like a Pinterest mom’s fever dream. Who even is Johnny now?
I grab some yogurt and fruit. It’s healthy and fresh andsonot what I want. If I’m going to be stuck here, we’re going to need to stock up on preservatives and artificial sugar. Survival depends on it.
I take my bowl out to the terrace. The railing is clear, offering a panoramic view of Nashville’s skyline. Below, people hurry to work, oblivious to the chaos that is my life.
“Did you find anything good to eat?” Sean’s voice comes from behind, making me jump.
“Jesus, Sean.” I shoot him a glare over my shoulder. “Don’t sneak up on me.”
“Sorry,” he apologizes softly. “Can I sit?”
I nod, and he joins me. He’s in a black T-shirt and sweats. Probably Johnny’s. It’s the most casual I’ve ever seen him. We sit in silence for a moment. Comfortable, but... off. There’s a distance between us now. One we’ve never had before.
“I’m sorry,” I say. The words feel heavy but necessary. “I’m sorry for lying. For dragging you into all this. For messing up your life.”
He studies me for a second before answering. “None of that is your fault. But thank you. I’m sorry too. I should’ve toldyou I wasn’t taking you back to Marcus. I should’ve let it be your choice.”
“You were right, though. I didn’t want to go back. I just didn’t see a way out. I’ve been so scared for so long, it turned into routine. I was in survival mode. I stayed because it was familiar, not because I wanted to.”
“I know.” His voice is rougher now. “Come here.”
I expect a hug, but he pulls me into his lap instead. My body melts into his. I tuck my face into the crook of his neck, soaking in the quiet strength that has always made me feel safe.
“Aro?” he murmurs, tipping my chin up.
His dark eyes hold mine, unreadable but full. Then he kisses me. It’s slow and hesitant. Careful and testing.
I kiss him back.
It builds fast. His hand slides into my hair, mine to the back of his neck. I shift in his lap, straddling him as our mouths fuse with urgency months in the making. His tongue sweeps into my mouth, deep and searching, and I forget we’re outside. I forget the city, the danger, the history.
His hands grip my hips, dragging me over the hard length of him.
“Sean,” I gasp.
“Mmm,” he growls against my mouth. “Keep saying my name like that and I’ll lay you out on this table.”
Somehow, that doesn’t sound like a threat. I smile into his kiss. He breaks it off, forehead resting against mine, both of us breathing hard.
“You’re a wicked little thing,” he mutters, playfully.
I bite my lip, grinning despite everything. He knows me too well. I curl back into his chest, resting there for a long moment.
“What are we going to do?” I ask. The world outside still feels like it’s closing in.
“For now? Lay low. Ride out the storm with Marcus. Then we figure out how to get out from under Johnny.”
“One psycho at a time.”
He chuckles softly. “That’s right, Baby.”
∞∞∞
