“What happened? You’ve been crying,” he asserts, and then his lips tense. “What the fuck did he do?”
“Nothing. Just dance with me before I have to leave,” I murmur softly while trying to keep the tears at bay.
I lean against him, and his arms wrap around my waist to hold me tightly to his body. His lips stroke my forehead, and I feel some of my tears breaching their barrier despite my best efforts to keep them at bay. They seep through his shirt, and his breath hitches upon feeling them dampening his chest.
“Where are you going?”
“Anywhere but here,” I whimper, and he holds me tighter.
“Araya, tell me what happened,” he coos while stroking my hair.
“What I knew would happen. It’s over… Hale and me,” I choke out, and the tears fall more freely.
His arms tighten around me, and his lips gently caress the top of my head as I cry into his chest. This isn’t the first party he has had to comfort me after Hale left me destroyed.
“I’m here, baby. It’s okay,” he coos so sweetly, and he just holds me all the closer.
“Go ahead and say it. I know you’re dying to.”
“Say what?” he asks innocently.
“Say you told me so,” I cry out, and I bury my face further into his chest to muffle my sobbing.
“I wouldn’t do that to you, baby,” he soothes, and his lips try to brush mine before I back away.
“No. I need to go get my stuff.”
I start to walk away, but he pulls my hand in his.
“I’m sorry. That was stupid. I didn’t mean to rush you. I just hate to see you crying. Tell me where you’re going so I can transfer.”
I shake my head, and I rush over to hug him again. His embracing arms take their comforting position, and I just let him be the friend I need right now.
“I’m not right for you, Brazen. Find someone who is,” I breathe, and he pulls me back to stare into my eyes.
“You’re the only girl for me,” he murmurs so genuinely, and it stings to hear the words Hale once spoke to me.
I’m not the girl for either of them.
“I’m not. I’ll talk to you when I can,” I murmur, and my lips offer his a sad goodbye before I dart off.
“I’ll find you,” he smugly adds from behind, and even though it was nearly a whisper, he knows I heard it.
I’m not sure if I want him to find me or not, but I sure as hell hope it isn’t anytime soon. Right now, I need to stay away from anything that can emotionally charge me.
Captain Hawkins is standing beside a large SUV when I walk out holding my single bag of clothes. He smiles when he sees me, and he takes my bag to put it in the back.
“You really do travel light,” he chuckles out.
I half smile, and then I climb into the passenger seat. He has a picture of a small girl staring into the sand while she plays. Her eyes are hidden, but her smile is proudly displayed.
“Your daughter?” I muse.
“Yes. You’ll have the chance to meet her, and I’m sure she’ll be in awe of you. She wishes to join the United officials one day.”
I almost smile, but that sounds so odd. Why would a full blood allow his daughter to idolize a hybrid? Such a thing would be blasphemous in his community.
“Ms. Crush, I can tell you have reservations because you’ve never even visited Hershian, but I can assure you we’re not at all like most places. I realize I’m full blood, but I have a vast knowledge of hybrids. I also hold a great deal of respect for them, and that’s all I ask in return… respect.”
