I leave the laptop open on the bed and walk out the door. My heart pounds as I move down the hallway.
The guys are spread out in the living room. Zephyr’s at the kitchen table. Callum’s sprawled on the couch. Jax is leaning against the counter.
“What’s the address here?” I ask.
Jax’s head snaps toward me.
Zephyr asks, “What?”
Callum sits forward. “Why?”
I point nervously toward the bedroom. “I’m going to have Elle pick me up. If that’s okay.”
“Wait, Tiger, you’re leaving?” Callum’s voice cracks slightly.
I nod as guilt floods my chest. These guys have done so much for me.
Jax glares at me, but his face is impossible to read.
Zephyr stands. “Isn’t your dad going to find you there?”
“I have to face him eventually,” I say quietly. “And this—”
They all stare at me, waiting for me to continue.
I inhale. My body trembles. I don’t want to explain.
I say, “What’s the address.”
Jax’s jaw tightens. “Are you sure it’s Elle you’re talking to?”
“Yes,” I say to Jax and then turn to the couch. “Callum?”
He looks at Jax, then Zephyr, then back at me. He rattles off the address like it hurts him to do so.
I repeat it in my head and hurry back down the hall, relieved to be out of their sight.
I type out the address to Elle.
Elle: Already in my car.
Elle: Coming.
Me: Thank you. I’ll be outside. Can’t text.
I pack my things quickly, hang the towel behind the door, and make the bed.
When I walk back out with my bag, all three of them are staring at me.
“So, that’s it?” Callum says.
I blink. I don’t know what to say, so I keep my eyes down.
Then Jax is moving. Fast. He’s around the couch in seconds.
“Wait, Tigerlily. What are you doing?”
I feel like I could cry. These three have been nothing but protective, and I feel like I’m betraying them in a way.
