He’s doing it because he wants to.
His arms tighten around me, and it makes me feel so safe I practically melt against him.
“You give really good hugs,” he murmurs.
While I’m still trying to process how good the embrace feels, he presses a kiss to the side of my head, and it has a tear escaping.
“I’m glad you think so,” I whisper, my voice a little hoarse from all the good emotions I’m feeling because of him.
When he begins to pull back, I remove my arms from around his waist. Instead of moving completely away, he keeps one arm locked around me while bringing his other hand to my face.
Oh God. What’s happening right now?
He takes hold of my chin and nudges my face up until I make eye contact with him. My stomach fills with a weird mixture of anticipation and anxiousness.
“I want you to know you’ll always have a home here with Lainey and me,” he pauses, and there’s a flash of heartache on his face before he finishes the sentence, “even after Rachel is gone.”
My heart is beating so fast, and I’m embarrassed when I realize my breaths are rushing over my lips.
Either Easton is ignoring my reaction or he doesn’t notice because he continues, “You’re safe here, and I’ll never hurt you.”
My thoughts come to a screeching halt, and my gaze widens while my face practically goes up in flames.
Oh God. He knows.
When I take a step backward, he lets go of me, but as I glance away, he says, “Don’t be embarrassed. And don’t be upset with Rachel. I made her tell me.”
“Easier said than done,” I mutter, taking another step away from him.
All the good emotions I’ve been feeling up and vanish like mist before the sun. My anxiety skyrockets again, and being aware that Easton knows about my traumatic past has the memories creeping out of the shadows.
A memory of Trent throwing me against a wall flashes through my mind, and I quickly wrap my arms around myself.
When Easton takes a step forward, I flinch, but somehow, I manage to keep still as he takes hold of my shoulder again.
He leans in closer. “Look at me.” Shame pours through me like hot lava as I reluctantly do as I’m told. “You’re safe with me, Nova.”
All Easton’s glamour and fame fade away until I’m staring at the man I fell in love with before everybody knew his name.
He always made sure I ate plenty when I spent time at their place. I celebrated every birthday with him and Rachel. He dropped us off at school dances and was always waiting outside to take us home afterward.
The same sense of safety he made me feel as a teenager weaves around me. I didn’t know how much I needed the sense of safety that comes from being with people you love until now.
Unable to control the wave of emotions hitting me, I dart forward and slam into his chest. Holding on tightly, I fight with every ounce of strength I have not to burst out in tears.
My voice quivers as I say, “Thank you.”
He engulfs me in an incredible hug, and I feel his breath warm the side of my head.
I know he only sees me as a little sister, but that’s something I can live with because at least he cares about me in some way. It’s the best feeling I’ve experienced in a really long time. I let out a sigh as I soak in the safety of his arms.
God, after feeling alone and being hurt for way too many years, it feels like I’m finally home.
Chapter 11
Easton
Sitting in the study with Sylvia, we’re both staring at the laptop screen. Tim, the director of the film I’m working on, shakes his head and lets out a sigh.
