“I don’t know,” she murmurs, not looking convinced, “Sounds too good to be true.”
I step closer, waiting for Darius to move out of the way so I can stand in front of her. Bending slightly, I grab her upper arms in my hands, pulling until she finally comes to her feet. We’re the same height, the same build, features so similar we’re an eerie carbon copy of each other.
She swallows visibly, but stares back at my unblinking, unflinching, as I ask, “You want to do right by me?” She nods, eyes glistening with unshed tears, so I go on, “You want me to forgive you?” Again, she nods, so I add, “You want me to be okay?”
She squirms in my hold, as if she’s suddenly uncomfortable in her own skin. Tightening my hold on her arms, I lean in, forcing her to hold my gaze as I ask again, “Do you want me to be okay?”
A sob rips through her, tears overflow. “Yes. Yes. Please.”
My eyes burn, but I blink back the tears, as I say, “Then do this.”
She frowns, shakes her head, and I nod, respond, “Do this forme.”
She glances at Darius who’s still standing next to me. Then she glances to my other side, instantly calming as Lilith whispers, “You can do it, you’ll see.”
Amber looks back to me, nods, a hiccupping sob falling from her lips.
“Promise me.”
At first, she appears confused, so I give her a slight shake and repeat, “Promise. Me.”
“I promise,” she mutters, then clears her throat, repeating more clearly, “I promise.”
Searching her eyes I loosen my hold, then release her and step back. She looks wrecked, as if one strong breeze will shatter her into a million little pieces. I consider hugging her, think maybe I’ll gather her into my arms and comfort her, but I don’t.
Instead, I turn to Lilith, motioning for her to take my place. “Help her,” then stepping back fully as Lilith takes my place, pulling her into an embrace. Amber crumbles into her, her arms hung loosely at her sides, her tears silent but for the shudder of her shoulders.
“I got you,” Lilith whispers, her hands rubbing over her back. “I got you.”
I turn away, suddenly wanting to be anywhere but here. I walk toward my father who’s still standing a couple feet away. Declan finally steps away from Ren who makes a beeline for me, but stops about foot from me.
Neither of them touch me, they both just stand back, watching. I look to my father and then to Ren. “I want to go home.”
My father nods, instantly turning and disappearing up the stairs at a jog. Ren moves closer, stops just shy of brushing his front against me, hunching over so I have no choice but to look in his eyes. “You good?”
“No,” I respond with a snort, about three heartfelt questions shy of having a complete meltdown. “But I will be.”
The corners of his mouth turn up slightly and he steps aside, allowing me to lead the way. Without a backward glance, I walk up the stairs, Ren at my back, the familiar hum of Sonny and Cher dancing in my head.
43
LETTING GO
REN
Even though Lilithoffered for us to stay the night with her, and Conrad offered up a few nice hotel options, Cassidy just wanted to go home.
To our home.
Issa and Jessica decided to return home with Declan, and Conrad decided to hang back last minute as well, giving the excuse he wanted to catch up with Lilith.
By the time we’re dropped off at home, it’s the middle of the night. Cassidy allows me to help her inside, stopping by the kitchen for a glass of water. We haven’t stayed here in a couple of months, so snack options are limited, which is fine considering neither of us are hungry.
We trudge upstairs together, and at my urging, Cassidy disappears into the bathroom first, leaving the door slightly ajar. I tidy up, then pull the comforter down, inspecting the sheets that haven’t been slept on in months, and then yanking them from the mattress, tossing them in a heap in the corner.
I grab a clean set from the closet, make quick work of remaking the bed, and I’m just adjusting the comforter when the door opens and Cassidy appears. She pauses in the doorway, raises her brows. “Did you just change the bedding?”
I stare at her as if I’ve been caught doing something naughty. “No?”
