Page 49 of Unexpected Complication

I knew there was more. I knew her life on the street must have been horrific. But she was shaking, and I knew her emotions were starting to overtake her. I took her mug, dumped it in the sink, and poured us both fresh coffees. I added cream the way I knew she liked it and sat back down. She sipped in silence for a minute.

I was about to ask her a question when we heard the sound of footsteps. I turned and watched Sean enter the kitchen. His face was inscrutable as he stood in the doorway. He was disheveled and still looked sleepy. He glared at both of us.

“Are you finally talking?”

I nodded.

“Have you told her?”

“I’m about to.”

“Good. You would have saved me this fucking headache if you’d done it before.”

“I know.”

Skylar stood. “Sean…”

He held up his hand. “You fucking drugged me. I made sure you were fed and warm. That you had books and games. I pushed and pushed Cian to trust you. And you fucked me over.”

“I know,” she whispered. “I’m sorry.”

“I’m furious with you.”

She only nodded.

His voice dropped. “Are you okay, Skylar?”

“Yes.”

“Cian?”

“I’m good.”

“Okay. I’ll leave you two.”

He turned to go, but Skylar stepped forward. “Sean…”

He looked back. She moved so fast, she was almost a blur. One second, she was beside me. The next, she’d flung herself at Sean. His arms went around her as she cried. Her words were muffled, but I caught some of them as she gasped and sobbed.

Scared… feelings…had to get away…

He bent down, speaking quietly to her. Then he pressed his lips against her head and stepped back, cupping her face.

“Listen to what he has to say,” he said kindly. He looked up at me. “The truth, Cian.”

“I know.”

He turned and left, leaving Skylar and me staring at each other.

I drew in a deep breath.

It was the moment of truth.

I only hoped she could hear it.

And understand.

Chapter 11