His refuge.
Home.
“Kraven,” I whispered. “I’m so sorry… I should’ve?—”
He turned, facing me and rendering me speechless. His back slid down the door until he sat with his knees up and his arms placed over them. He was reluctant to look at me at first.
I opened my mouth to say something, but nothing came out. I was afraid my voice would betray me if I spoke, hurting him further.
He was desperately trying not to lose it on me.
Except this time, I wanted him to.
I wanted it all.
His anger too.
I deserved it.
He’d been my only stability for the past month. I’d forgotten what it was like to stand on my own, without the safety he provided. It resided deep in my bones, bringing back the same sense of ease and familiarity with his presence.
His hair had fallen around his face, framing it perfectly. Accentuating the intensity of his Caribbean-blue eyes, boring deep into mine.
When the quiet became too loud, he shared, “I never wanted you to see me like that again. I promised myself I’d never let you witness what you saw with Justin. Fuck… I’m so sorry, Kitty.”
I made my way over to him, dropping to my knees to get close to his face. “It’s alright, Kraven.”
“No, it’s not, Isla. I keep fucking up with you, and it’s the last thing I want to do.” He bowed his head, erupting into a flood of emotions.
He needed me.
Wanted me.
I had to be there for him.
He’d done so much for me. It was the least I could do. I couldn’t imagine what he was going through, hearing his father say all his biggest insecurities. He’d baited Kraven so crudely and with no remorse whatsoever.
He came there to hurthim.
End of story.
It was all too much.
His mom.
Julius.
Running into Mrs. Bates.
Now his dad.
All the emotions poured out of his heart and his soul, bleeding into mine. Tears began to fall down my cheeks. I was unable to hold them back any longer. He didn’t think twice about it. He grabbed me under my arms and carried me over to him, making me straddle his lap.
He caged me in, holding my face between his hands. He kissed all over, wiping my tears away with his lips.
“Please, Kitty…” he pleaded. “Say something…”
I gazed profoundly into his eyes, repeating, “I’m so sorry, Kraven.”
