Fuck.
My own worst enemy.
“Areyou sure you don’t want to stay with us?” Anson asked. “I’d prefer it if you did.”
“I’m good,” I mumbled as we got into the back of a car Klaus sent for us.
“No, you’re not. You still need help. You’re coming home with me.”
“I’m not?—”
“Jay, take us home, please,” Anson said, looking over at me and giving me a pointed look.
I sighed. The truth was, I didn’t want to be alone, but I was scared to be anywhere else.
“Rosalie and Ellis miss you. So do the guys. We’ll take care of you. It’s what family does,” Anson said.
There was no point in arguing with him, so I settled in for the ride back to the house. It was around dinner time, so I expected takeout. When we walked through the door, though, I was greeted by the smell of cooking.
“Ani! Ryder!” Rosalie flew to us across the room and crashed into Anson’s arms.
“Mm, songbird,” he murmured before leaning down to kiss her deeply. “You taste delicious.”
She laughed and pulled away from him before coming to me.
“Hey,” she said, reaching for me.
I went hesitantly, but the moment her arms wound gently around me, I buckled and held her back. I wasn’t hurting as much as I was before. A lot of my wounds had healed. I was tender and sore, but I would survive.
“How are you?” she asked, pulling back to cradle my cheek. I closed my eyes at her soft touch.
“Better, Red. Happy to be home.” I opened my eyes and stared down at her.
Fuck, she was beautiful.
I swallowed and offered her the best smile I had.
She took my hand in hers and led me deeper into the living room before settling onto the couch with me.
“Smells like you’re cooking,” I said. “Where are the guys?”
“Klaus is in his office yelling at someone, and Evan has a meeting. He should be back soon. Ellis and Trix are at ballet. Everyone should be back home within the hour.”
She continued to hold my hand. I looked to the kitchen in the massive open floor plan to see Anson checking the food in the oven. He winked at me and left a moment later, presumably to find Klaus.
She twined her fingers with mine.
“I was so worried about you, Ry,” she said, her voice shaking. “God. I’m so sorry.” Tears filled her green eyes as she stared at me, clutching my hand.
“Oh, Red, honey,” I murmured, reaching for her with my free hand. I cradled her face, and she leaned into my touch.
“I’m OK,” I said gently. “I’m fine. I promise.”
“You weren’t, though,” she choked out. “We almost lost you. I-I can’t lose you. Ani can’t. Ellis can’t. None of us can.”
“You didn’t. I’m still here.” I said, pulling her in for a hug. She collapsed against me, crying softly. I raked my fingers through her soft curls. I hadn’t wanted to talk to her while I was in the hospital. I didn’t want to see her the way I was and then worry about me. Sure, I was near death at one point, but I was here now. That’s what mattered. I told Anson to let everyone know I was OK.
“Are you OK?” I asked, continuing to hold her against me.
