“You will!” I start pushing him, and part of my bracelet catches on his hoodie. I end up scratching myself during the struggle. He suddenly releases me.
This allows me to break free, and I dash off toward my building.
I’ve never felt anything like this before. It’s as if my whole system is cracking at the seams. Every time I’m with Devlin, I learn something new about myself.
And this power he has over me… it grows with every encounter, even though there’s nowhere left for it to grow.
Back in my room, I wash my face with cold water, then check the cameras monitoring my animals. Hoping that someone needs help so I can rush to save them and feel useful and detached from everything.
But all the animals are fine, as usual.
After sitting for five minutes staring blankly at a single point, I suddenly calm down.
What an idiotic thing it was to run away.
I’m really behaving like a moody teenager.
It’s just… I’ve never felt such vulnerability with anyone as I do with Devlin.
And now, sitting here thinking of him, I remember his eyes when he spoke of the foster care, of how he must be a badperson, of survival. The vulnerability in his eyes. The sound of his voice when he calls my name.
After some thought, I pull out my phone and start typing.
Hi again.
I didn’t mean to run away like that.
I was overwhelmed after what we did
I hit send before I can second-guess myself.
12
Chapter 12
Devlin: I’m glad you texted me.
Devlin: you can text me anything, whenever you like
Devlin: especially if you can’t tell me something to my face
Devlin: I don’t want to scare you
I read the words over and over. Devlin Bower, the man who breaks bones for a living and speaks in jagged sentences, is worried about scaring me?
A laugh bubbles up in my throat, half-hysterical and half-endeared. My light-hearted nature suddenly takes the wheel.
Val: Admit it, you sometimes want to scare me a little.
The three dots appear instantly. He’s right there. Waiting.
Devlin: not anymore
Devlin: How are you feeling?
Val: Everything’s fine. Thanks. How are you?
Devlin: how are you really feeling Val
