I wrap my arm around her and pull her close. She leans into me. Even after what she saw, she trusts me.
Havoc finished detailing my bike yesterday, so I’m relieved not to have to rely on getting another ride.
Swinging a leg over and helping Bunny on behind me, her arms lock around my waist. Her cheek presses against my shoulder blades, and I feel her sigh.
I'm taking her home. My home.
No matter what, I'm going to show her she's safe with me. While I'm at it, I'll spend the next few days trying to make up for my failure to protect her.
The engine roars to life, and I feel her squeeze tighter. Kicking off, we’re off.
ten
Bunny
The first thing I do when we enter Smoke's apartment is hit his shower. I don't take the time to look around and explore. Instead, I hit the hot water, scrub away the smell of beer, and replace it with sandalwood.
Breathing in his shampoo and body wash helps calm me in a way I desperately need.
Reuben's dead, or at least, he will be from the way they were talking. He won't be leaving anymore presents in my locker or lurking in any shadows.
I'm safe.
Scrubbing my face, I try not to cry anymore. He barely did anything, really. Pulled at my dress before Smoke appeared, and smacked my head on the mirror when he attempted to silence me.
I haven't felt scared like that in a long time. But then Smoke appeared, playing the part of my rescuer. Thanks to him, nothing worse happened.
Letting out a breath, I watch all the suds run down the drain before shutting off the water. Knowing I can't hide out in here forever to let my emotions run their course, I steal two of his towels. One for my hair, and one for my body. They feel so soft against my skin, and for a moment, I sigh into one of them before wrapping it around my frame.
Slipping out to find Smoke, I find him hunched over his stove. In front of him, a kettle whistles its tune.
One of his hands is already bandaged between his fingers. There are still specks of blood on his shirt, but his arms are cleaned, scrubbed pink.
"Smoke?" Calling out to him, I watch as he jerks and notices the kettle.
Moving it off the burner, he turns to look at me. His frown grows when he sees my flushed state. Tearing his eyes away, he moves to pull out two mugs. "I'm making tea."
Approaching him, I can't pretend I don't notice how stiff he is. He was silent the way here, and has avoided looking at me for a long time.
He's not blaming himself, is he?
Reaching out for him, I stroke his arm and kiss his shoulder. "I'm okay, Smoke." Murmuring the words, I sigh against his shirt. "Thanks to you, he didn't have time to do anything."
His head falls, and his body only slightly softens beneath my touch. "He shouldn't have gotten to you in the first place."
"We wouldn't have figured out who he was if he hadn't." Saying the words I know we both need to hear, I squeeze his arm and rest my forehead against his shoulder. "He's not a problem anymore, right?"
"He won't be." Confirming my suspicions, there's nothing but confidence behind his words. "You're safe from him. But Bunny, what you saw earlier—"
"I know what you're capable of, Smoke. You protected me, that's what matters." My cheeks heat with terrible timing, and I pinch my eyes shut. "I still love you."
He moves, breaking free of my touch. Turning around, I get a full look at that expression on his face. Like a dog that's been kicked. Heartbroken and worried. "Bunny—"
Reaching up for his face, I kiss him to reassure him that my feelings for him aren't going to change any time soon. He's got my heart locked in a vice.
"Now..." Pulling away, I smile at his flush. "You finish making tea, and I'm going to go raid your closet."
Running a hand down his face, he nods. Looking like he wants to say more, possibly even fight me on my willingness to move past his actions, I don't even give him the chance as I'm already pulling back.
