Just as a chair scrapes along the ground and deep voices get closer, I explode out of my chair and plead with whoever can help me. "I want to go home!"
Twenty-Five
JAMIE
"Jamie, I want to go tomyhome." In the passenger seat of my car, Violet sniffles while scowling at the side of my face.
I ignore her, my emotions way too fired up to have a normal conversation. Fearing I'll scare her keeps me quiet as I drive through the streets of downtown Detroit. I should bring her home, but I can't make myself do it. My white knuckled grip on the steering wheel won't budge on this.
Ellis and Nate fucked upagain.How many chances can I give them before I write them off as a pair of fucking assholes who can't see what's right in front of them?
But that's not quite true now, is it?
I saw the confusion and shock on Ellis' face when he really looked at Violet. It was like he was trying to actually figure her out. When he did, I had to force my heart to stay steady instead of breaking for both Nate and Ellis.
Their worry was palpable when Violet started shaking. It took every ounce of strength I had to stay away, and fucking hell, it was one of the hardest things I've had to do.
As soon as she launched out of her chair, I was across the room and pulling her into my arms. Her plea to go home just about snapped my control.
The desperation and honest sadness etched into Ellis' features dulled some of the rage I felt for him. He pushed her too far, and he knew it. He’d better fucking learn from it.
Nate looked ready to take her from me and wrap her in bubble wrap. Unfortunately, I think they may have lost their right to comfort my woman.
Maybe if they hadn't made her cry and panic each time she's seen them, it would be different. I wish it could be different. Instead I'm driving her to my place alone, and I'm not letting her leave until she's feeling better.
"Jamie..."
I've always wanted Violet to show me more emotion and vulnerability. Now that I have it, I'm freaking the fuck out. I hate seeing her cry. Her usually confident posture has drooped, and the seductive lilt of her voice that I've become accustomed to over the years has faded into uncertainty.
Violet has been disarmed by Nate and Ellis. I don't know whether to kiss them or rip their spines through their throats.
"Jamie!"
"What?! Shit," I curse, looking over at her wide eyes. "Fuck. I'm sorry. V, I can't bring you home."
"And why the hell not?" She crosses her arms.
Thank fuck for small bratty mercies.
Whipping into my parking spot, I once again ignore her words. She stays in the car as I come around to her side, but she doesn't move an inch when I open the door.
"Violet. Come here, please," I say, voice tight, but I'm trying to be gentle. She shakes her head while looking out the windshield. "Now."
"Fuck off, Jamie."
Something tangible in my brain snaps. Reaching inside, I unbuckle her seatbelt and grab her calves. Violet gasps and starts to wiggle away from me, but her feet are already on the concrete and I'm pulling her out by her clammy hands.
"Goddamn it! Jamie, stop. I want to go home and sleep in my bed for a year," she exclaims as if that would get me to let her go.
"That isexactlywhy you're staying with me for a bit." Slamming the car door behind Violet, I tuck her hand into the crook of my elbow and start our march into the building.
"But—"
My feet take a turn, putting me in front of her with her dainty little nose millimeters away from my collarbone. "Violet," I warn, allowing her to see how I too am struggling. "You're coming inside. At least for a while until I know you'll be okay on your own."
Blue sparkly eyes bounce back and forth betweenmine. Her chest rises and falls with a deep breath as her bottom lip wobbles. "Fine," she relents.
Grunting like a fucking caveman, I press a kiss to the corner of her mouth and lead her inside where it's warm. Thankfully she doesn't fight me the rest of the way to my apartment, but she's awfully quiet.
