“Thank you so much,” I say, kissing him.
“Let’s go get your belongings, and then we can rest. Okay?”
“Okay,” I say with a sigh.
“Adam will be with us, so you will be safe.”
Maybe…
Chapter Nine
Milly
We pull up tothe house, and I am already in tears. Adam opens my door and offers me his hand to take as Grayson walks around to us. “Ready?” Grayson asks me.
“No,” I reply with a frown.
“She is not to be alone with him for any reason,” Grayson says to Adam.
“I know, man,” Adam says. Grayson nods and takes my other hand. I realize I am still holding Adam’s hand—and Grayson sees it too—but neither of them says anything. They just let me take the comfort I need.
When we get to the front door, it opens. “Milly,” Mom says warmly. “Come in, guys. Lunch is almost ready.”
We step inside, and Greg is sitting on the couch watching the news. He glances up at me, but looks back to the television. “I’ll hang out here,” Adam says.
“Let’s grab your stuff while lunch is cooking,” Grayson says to me. I nod and let go of Adam’s hand so I can lead Grayson down the hallway. Grayson stops us at the doorway and points to the padlock hanging from the hook.
“Yeah…” I say before walking into the room. For a split second, I expect to see her lying in bed. I even turn like I am going to greet her, but then I freeze.
“What is it?” Grayson asks, gently kneading my shoulders.
“I used to always say hey to her when I’d come in,” I say. “But she’s not real.”
“No, baby. She’s not,” he says. “Let’s get your stuff.”
“Right,” I say before going to the closet. I pull out the bags I have stored and lay them on the bed before I start pulling my clothing out. Grayson goes to the dresser and starts working on that. When he finishes, he goes to the bedside table. I remember that is where the stockpile of razors is, so I rush over and step in his way.
“Milly,” Grayson says, narrowing his eyes at me.
“You’ll be mad,” I say.
“No, I won’t,” he replies before gently kissing me. When I relax, he moves me out of his way and opens the drawer. He doesn’t even flinch as he grabs the items that aren’t blades and shuts the drawer. “You done?”
“Uh… I just need the stuff from the top shelf of the closet, but I’m short,” I say. He nods and turns to the closet, but I keep my eyes on the nightstand. I am trying to resist, but I still turn back to the bedside table and pull the drawer open. I pick up one of the razors and flinch when Grayson wraps his arms around my waist. “I’m sorry…”
“Don’t apologize. What are you thinking?” he asks.
“That I can find so much relief in something that causes so much damage,” I say. “I hate that I already miss it.”
“Anytime you struggle, we can do impact play. If we can’t right away, just communicate, and I can help,” he says. “You aren’t alone, Milly.”
I sigh and drop the razor back into the drawer before turning to face him. “Good girl. I’m proud of you,” Grayson says before kissing me.
When we get back out to the living room, Adam is sitting on the couch opposite of the coffee table from Greg. “Lunch is ready,” Mom says. I turn and follow her into the dining room with Grayson behind me. When we sit, Adam sits on my other sidebetween Greg and me. Greg is at the head of the table and staring me down.
“So, how are you enjoying being with Grayson?” Mom asks as she dishes a piece of chicken onto my plate.
“Good,” I say simply.
