“She’s not pissed at you, Drew. She’s pissed at a world that would do that to Jane. She’s angry you’re punishing yourself. You shouldn’t be paying the price for something you had no control over. Mostly she’s sad and worried about you.”
Athena threads her fingers in mine and I cling to her hand like a limpet. I turn to look at her, seeing nothing but compassion flaring in her eyes. “I can see it’s painful for you, but I’d like to know. What happened to her? Where is Jane?”
All the fight leaves me as I stare at the beautiful blonde pleading at me with her eyes. The walls come tumbling down, and it all comes out. There is little argument for holding back now everyone pretty much knows. No one speaks or interrupts as I tell Athena everything. Her thumb makes soothing circles on the back of my hand as I purge it all, and though it’s not the first time I have told my story, it’s cathartic this time.
“God, Drew.” She cups my cheeks with both hands when I stop speaking just as we turn down the road toward my sister’s house. “I am so sorry.” She pulls me into her arms, and I go readily, snaking my arms around her back and holding her tight. “For everything Jane went through and all you’re still going through.” She strokes her hand up my back before her fingers curl into my hair, and it’s amazingly comforting.
My eyes shutter as the car comes to a stop, and I feel so incredibly tired. Tired of chasing monsters and fighting the demons in my head. I just want it to stop. To know inner peace even if it’s only an illusion. Doors open and close as we remain locked in our embrace, and I cling to her and her calming presence that has silenced the screaming in my head.
“We’d better go inside,” she says, easing back a little. She kisses my cheek. “But I’m here for you, and I’m going nowhere, okay?”
I dance my fingers across the soft skin of her face. “I don’t deserve your kindness.”
“Perhaps.” She shrugs as her eyes light up at my touch. “But I’m too fucking tired to keep fighting you, and now I know the story, so much makes sense.”
“I don’t want you to pity me. I fucking hate seeing pity in anyone’s eyes.”
“You don’t need to explain.” She grips my face in her palms again. “I see you, Drew Manning.” She brushes her mouth against mine. “I see every deep, dark, hidden part of you, and it doesn’t scare me away. It draws me closer.” Her eyes shine with emotion. “Iseeyou, Drew, and I like what I see.” Her lips curve in a gorgeous smile. “And that’s my true dirty big secret.”
ChapterThirty-One
Athena
“Thank God you’re okay,” Abby says, pulling me into her arms when we step into the hallway of her house. “I was so worried after Xavier showed up and told me everything.”
“You should hate me.”
“I might yet.” Her attention turns to her brother as he closes the door and moves around me. “What happened to your nose?” Abby frowns at the swelling around his nostrils.
“I kicked him in the face when he refused to let me out of the trunk.” Drew levels me with a look that says I’ll pay for that, and I grin. “Just keeping it real, sweet cheeks.”
“Then you deserved it.” She gently prods his nose until he swats her hand away. “It’s not broken. You’ll live.”
“Thanks for your concern,” he says in a dry tone, and I stifle a giggle.
“Iwasconcerned.” Abby wraps herself around him, holding him tight. “Love you, D. I’m glad you’re home safe.”
“Love you too, little bug.”
The way they love one another warms my heart.
She thumps him in the arm and glares at him. “If you ever keep shit from me again,Andrew, you’ll get more than a thump.”
“So much for not being pissed,” Drew mutters under his breath.
“Go talk to the others. I want a word with Athena.” Abby gives him a gentle nudge.
Drew casts a glance at me, his eyes full of conflicting emotions, and I can relate.
My head is a mess over this guy, and I have no clue what’s going on or where things stand with us. “I’m fine.”
He nods and slowly walks away, looking back over his shoulder at me in a way that sends blood racing faster in my veins.
“Has something happened between you?” Abby asks, and I’m forced to drag my gaze from her brother.
“No.” I blow air out of my mouth. “Yes.” I yank the hair tie from my head, letting messy waves tumble around my shoulders. “I don’t know.”
Her eyes narrow. “You were spying on my brother, and if you’re seducing him as part of some nefarious plan, I’ll?—”
