He nodded. “They’re all the same titles, just brand new books. I tried to get them all, so some editions might differ.”
Oh, God, how was this man not sprouting the wings of angels? Because that’s what he was. “Thank you,” I managed, too overcome with emotion to say more.
He cupped my chin lightly. “Thank me by wanting to live again, Ella.” He kissed my brow and walked out, leaving me desperate to make him happy.
I just wished I knew how.
Chapter 32 – Mikaela
One Week Later
“Hello, angel.”
I turned my head away from the television. A pretty girl I hadn’t met before stood at the door, her smile wide, her blue eyes danced with laughter. She was nothing like any of the previous women I’d met so far, save for Dr. Juliette, who I’d come to realize was just as kind and caring as Xavier.
“I’m Levana,” she said, coming closer, her steps slow, hesitant. “Or you can call me Snow if you prefer.”
Snow?
I’d read about snow in books and wondered what it looked like since it always seemed to be associated with holidays and fun. Even though I didn’t know what that was either, it sounded pretty.
“I’m Saint’s fiancée or girlfriend if you prefer that word.” She laughed, the sound like music. “Xavier mentioned you could do with a friend. I want to be one if you’d have me.” She shrugged. “Can I sit?” She pointed to the edge of the bed.
The day after Xavier brought me the new set of books, and unsure how to thank him, I asked Beth to help me return to my room. If Xavier was disappointed, he didn’t show it.
Three mornings ago, when they thought I was sleeping, I heard Xavier tell Juliette he didn’t know how to help me. He was sad that after working so hard to bring me to a point where I began accepting his home as mine, I’d retracted back into my shell. He didn’t blame me because of what I’d gone through, yet he wished for some way to help me find my strength.
His words dug deep, burrowing into my heart and soul. He’d done so much for me, and I felt I was letting him down. Like I’d failed him. After he left, I sat up and wanted to go after him. To show him I was grateful for his help, that he’d brought light to my darkness. Memories flooded back the second I slid my legs over the side, torturing my mind. I should’ve never gone back to my room which was spotless, not even the smell of my loss lingered.
Now, I was nowhere near to finding myself and I didn’t want company. Yet something about this girl, I didn’t know what, drew me in.
I nodded.
Laughing, she ran forward and jumped on the bed, landing on her knees. She held out her hand. “Would you like one? They’re chocolate bars. Xavier said he’d given you one before, and you seemed to like it. Go on, take it,” she coaxed, extending her hand.
My gaze drifted from her face to the treat, as Xavier called it, and back to her face. He’d tried several times before to offer me one. I’d refused it.
