Ryker’s stare pulled at something deep in my chest. The part of me that had learned to make myself small, invisible. But under his gaze, I felt seen in a way that terrified and thrilled me.
He wasn’t just looking; he was studying me with the kind of reverence I’d only read about, like he was memorizing the curve of my smile, the way my hands moved, storing each detail somewhere safe inside him as though I were art in a museum. Like heknewthat I didn’t bring people here. That this was a private, intimate part of my life that I didn’t share with anyone, and yet I’d brought him here, and that mattered to him.
Sure, he could’ve chalked it up to convenience. Me needing a ride, thanks to my car being impounded. But in this moment, it was like he sensed it was more than that. That I would have found another way here. Because letting him bring me went so much deeper than the time I’d confessed I had claustrophobia.
It hurt because I needed that kind of intimacy. Wanted it. Craved it like those first real meals after days of empty cupboards. But if he knew I used to steal to eat, the amount of trouble I’d gotten into, and the terrible choices I’d made along the way, maybe he wouldn’t look at me that way anymore.
Maybe he’d see me as broken and unworthy of his affection.
Something twisted deep in my gut, recognizing that this could be the last moment he’d look at me with anything other than pity or disgust.
I felt Ryker’s presence behind me as we climbed the porch steps, his expensive shoes echoing against the worn wood.
I wondered what he saw when he looked at this place. I knew it wasn’t much. Hell, if I had it my way, I’d have a hundred homes with the best finishes in the best neighborhoods, but this was all I could afford for them right now.
When I glanced back, his expression caught me off guard. He wasn’t looking at my home with disapproval. He was looking at it like it was something miraculous. LikeIwas something miraculous.
And that … that made my soul come alive.
Walking through the front door, I smiled when I saw two teenagers sprawled across the living room floor, controllers in hand, completely absorbed in their game.
“Faith!”
Both headsets hit the carpet as Todd and Jessica scrambled to their feet.
“What happened to your head?” He asked.
“Slipped on some ice,” I lied, even rolling my eyes for effect. I hated lying to them, but the truth would send them into an anxiety spiral.
“Where have you been?” Todd’s voice cracked with worry.
“It’s a long story.” The understatement of the century.
I walked straight to them and pulled them both into my arms. I held on longer than necessary, probably longer than they were comfortable with, but, God, three days. It felt like three years since I’d seen these kids.
Behind me, I could feel Ryker’s attention like a physical touch.
“We were so worried!” Jessica’s voice was muffled against my shoulder. “We tried calling you.”
“I’m so sorry.” I pulled back to study their faces. Dark circles under Todd’s eyes. Jessica’s nervous habit of picking at her sleeves. My heart cracked a little more. “Guys, this is my friend, Ryker.Ryker, this is Todd and Jessica. And you met Brooklyn out front.”
“Hey.” Ryker’s kind smile and short wave seemed to soften their guard a bit.
“You guys need food?” I asked.
They nodded in unison.
“Come on. Let’s see what’s in the fridge.”
They followed me into the kitchen like lost puppies. When I opened the refrigerator, I frowned. It had been in need of restocking before I’d been arrested, and now, it was practically empty. A carton of milk that had probably gone bad, some wilted lettuce, and not much else.
“Okay, new rule.” I shut the fridge door. “I’m keeping emergency cash stashed somewhere in this house at all times. If I’m ever tied up again, you guys can at least go grocery shopping.”
“Are you okay?” Jessica’s arms wrapped around herself, in that protective stance she fell into whenever she sensed the slightest bit of distress. Her world had taught her to always scan for threats, to brace for impact.
And I hated that she had to live that way. Almost as much as I hated that I was about to become another person who let her down.
“I’m totally fine.” I reached out and stroked her cheek, the gesture automatic after months of trying to show her what gentle touch looked like. Playing the part of the woman who had it all figured out.
