“How can you know that? I’ve already attacked you.”
“Because you’reAlex. The same Alex who came to my rescue on that first day of school when I was cornered by five bullies and then took theblame so I wouldn’t get expelled. The same man who held me together at my mother’s funeral, who made sure I was eating and showering and sleeping after her death when all I could do was stare at a wall. The same Alex who has risked his life several times to save mine.” His silver eyes bore into mine, almost begging me to understand.
“Alex, you are one of the best men I have ever known, and it’s an honour to be your friend.” He moves his hands from my face to wrap around me, pulling me into a hug.
I hug him back without hesitation, relishing the safety and familiarity as his words swirl in my mind, chasing back the dark demons of my doubts and fears. They’re similar to what Ollie told me; how there was no way he or Rhys would be friends with me if I was a monster. Or that she’s never once felt unsafe around me.
I want to believe them so badly. But there’s still that part of me damaged by Willow’s cruel words that clings to the fear of my bloodline and the potential monster inside me.
We hug one another for a few moments, both of us enjoying the platonic comfort until he finally pulls back, his eyes shiny with unshed tears.
“I know this isn’t going to suddenly change how you see yourself, but I want you to understand that no matter what, both Rhys and I will be there for you. We have your back, just like we did that first day.” He squeezes my shoulder and steps back. “And I want you to remember thateverythingWillow told you was a lie.”
I swallow back my own tears and nod.
He searches my eyes—for what, I don’t know—but he mustn’t find what he wants because he sighs and rakes a frustrated hand through his hair. “You’ll believe it eventually.”
Easier said than done.
“As for this relationship with Ollie…”
I tense, my entire body feeling so wrung out that I’m not sure I can cope with anything else being thrown at me.
Theo holds up his hands. “Relax, I was just going to say that I’m backing off to let you figure it out.”
I blow out a breath.
“ButI think you need to talk to her and tell her what you told me.”
I pull a face. Yeah, I’d rather face an entire horde of zombies at night than do that.
He chuckles at my expression. “I get it. Talking about feelings is hard, but I seriously think both of you will benefit from it.”
I blow out a harsh breath. “Why are you pushing for this relationship so hard? We both know you—andonlyyou—could have her if you wanted to, so why are you desperate to share?”
“Because you and Rhys are the only family I have, and I want all of us to be happy, not just me. I think Ollie and us together will give us the happiness we deserve.” He shrugs. “Besides, Ollie doesn’t just want me; she wants all three of us, and after everything she’s been through, that woman deserves everything. If I can give her that, then I will.”
I understand what he’s saying, but the idea of giving my heart to someone like that again, of opening myself up to being left behind like that…
Horror shudders down my spine. I won’t survive it happening a second time.
“Just think about it, that’s all I’m asking,” Theo says softly, no doubt seeing where my thoughts had gone.
I nod. I can at least do that.
He smiles and pats my shoulder. “Good. Now let’s get a few hours’ sleep so we don’t get mistaken for zombies.” He turns and leaves the attic.
I follow him, checking to make sure the other guards on duty are doing their job before making my way to the small dining room where I’ve set up my sleeping bag. Theo has already settled into his and is fast asleep—a trick he learned as an overworked paramedic. Ollie is snuggled in her own sleeping bag, looking almost peaceful if you don’t notice the dark bags beneath her eyes.
Is she not sleeping enough? Or is it the stress of the journey? I frown, unable to resist brushing a stray strand of her chestnut hair from her face. She sighs and leans into my touch, causing my lips to curl into a small, soft smile. Harlow, who’s sleeping at her feet, cracks open one eye, sees it’s me and goes back to sleep.
Movement catches my attention as Theo rolls over to face me, a knowing look on his face as he stares at me.
‘Think about it,’he mouths.
I roll my eyes and move away from Ollie to my own sleeping bag. The issue isn’t that I haven’t thought about it. The issue is that Ihaveand I’m terrified of fucking this all up. Of ruining what could be a beautiful relationship.
And destroying the heart of the very woman I’m falling for.
