She angled her head, scanning his face, and her gaze softened. “You must think I’m really stupid and weak right?”
“Don’t put words in my mouth.” It came out harsher than he intended, but her question, or accusation, couldn’t have been further from the truth.
She flattened her lips and mumbled, “Sorry.”
Fuck.The last thing he wanted was for her to shut down.
He grabbed her hand, resting it on his thigh. “I don’t think you’re stupid. And I sure as fuck don’t think you’re weak. I thinkyou got dealt a really shitty hand, but you won’t get any judgement from me. Alright?”
She smiled, though he could read through her mask. She didn’t believe him. Why would she? It was probably how Cleo viewed herself.
“You ever try to leave?”
She nodded, but didn’t expand, and then simply stared out over the ridge.
“When?”
Her throat bobbed, and her hand tightened around his. It must’ve been a reflex since her hand immediately went limp. Wraith tightened his hold and pulled her arm, forcing her to jerk closer, bumping her arm into his bicep.
“Closer.” He growled, and her cheeks flushed. For a second, he thought she might back away, but she inched closer until her thigh lay against his leg.
“You trust me?” He asked and her eyes widened.
“Yes,” she muttered.
Good.
“Then tell me when.”
She swallowed. “Um, the first time was right after I graduated. I worked full time in the summer, and I was hoping to save enough for the security and first month’s rent on an apartment. It was just a studio, and not in the best section of town, but it still would’ve beenmine.”
Mine.Wraith was getting a new insight into why she’d been so adamant about her flowers.They’re mine.Of course she would cling tight to her gifts and possessions when she had so very few of anything that was all hers.
“What happened?”
“I came home one night from the pizzeria, and my mother had emptied my bank account. She’d been on it since I was little, and I didn’t think to remove her because” —Cleo laughed without a trace of humor— “who steals their kids’ money, right? When I told her I was going to take her off my account, she said if shewasn’t on it then I couldn’t live there. She had taken all I had saved, and I had nowhere else to live so…” Her voice trailed off.
Fucking cunt.
“She keep stealing your money?”
Cleo shook her head, staring down at their hands. “No, but she started charging me rent, which made saving a longer process. I only deposited a certain amount and kept the rest in cash hidden in my bedroom. I still had a plan to leave but I knew it would take a while.” She sighed. “And my mom and stepdad didn’t work so I was the only one bringing money in. They didn’t want to give that up.”
Just the mention of her stepfather heated his blood.
“When didhestart knocking you around?”
Wraith clenched his jaw when her face paled. That was a topic he should’ve eased into with Cleo. He allowed his anger to take the reins.
“Knox told you everything?”
He didn’t have to.In time, when she was ready, Wraith would be honest and share what he knew. Now, was not that time.
He raised his brows. “I got eyes, Cleo. I was there when Knox brought you back to Killcreek.”
“Right.” She cocked her head, and her face completely transformed with her smile which seemed like strange timing considering the subject. “The day after Knox picked me up, you came to the hotel with Ghost, Cypher, and Jekyll. I remember Knox telling me that morning when I woke up that you were coming. I was so excited to finally meet you.” Her cheeks pinkened. “You know, after writing for so long.” She inched closer. “Do you remember that?”
I remember everything.
