Page 142 of His to Save
She plops down onto the couch, and I follow suit, scooting closer to her than either of us is probably comfortable with. I angle myself toward her and then tuck my feet beneath me before reaching for her hands.
It’s a little weird, but something tells me we could both use the comfort.
“You know it wasn’t your fault, right?” I ask, even as tears burn the back of my eyes. “I don’t blame you.”
“I… fuck.” Scarlet swipes away her tears and then laughs. “You don’t know how badly I needed to hear that. It’s been hell since you were taken. Especially because Dumb and Dumber decided to ice me out.”
I give her hand a squeeze. “I’m sorry about them. They’re… struggling.”
“If I can’t internalize blame, you can’t apologize on their behalf. They’re grown-ass men.”
“Oh, listen to you,” I say right as Atlas and Ellis join us. “You almost sound like my therapist.”
Atlas passes me a still-steaming mug of coffee before claiming the seat on the other side of me. “Thank you,” I tell him before taking a long sip of the piping-hot liquid.
Ellis hands Scarlet hers with a scowl before retreating to his chair, where he crosses his arms over his chest and glares at us like a petulant child.
“You’re not the only one in therapy here, babe,” Scarlet says. “In fact, if you two idiots aren’t talking to someone, I strongly suggest it.”
“Ellis actually gave me the number of the guy he talks to.” Atlas glances away as he scratches the back of his neck. “I, uh, plan to call him in the next few days to set up an appointment.”
“Wait, wait, wait.” Scarlet whips her head around to Ellis. “You mean to tell me Officer Jackass over there is actually emotionally mature?” She rubs her chin. “Color me surprised.”
“Color you a bitch,” Ellis mutters, his glare somehow both frostier and more heated than ever.
“My favorite shade of pink.” Scarlet grins. “No, but in all seriousness, I’m glad y’all arealltalking with someone about this. It’s…” Her throat bobs as she swallows. “A lot.”
CHAPTER 52
ATLAS
It’s late afternoon by the time Scarlet finally leaves, and while Nora will never admit it out loud, I can tell my girl is running on fumes. She needs food and a nap, in that order.
Well, and another apology, because once again, she was right and I was wrong.
It’s not that I want to control or micromanage her. Hell no. The fear of losing her seems to override every ounce of logic I possess. It’s like the minute her safety is on the line, my rational brain checks the fuck out.
I know she’s right, though—and now I have to make sure she knows that I know. Which means we need to talk, and it’ll undoubtedly go smoother without an audience.
I nod my head toward the front door and lift my brows at Ellis. Luckily, we’ve known each other long enough that he knows I’m silently asking him to scram.
“I’ve gotta head out for a bit,” he says as he stands. “I’m sorry about this morning, Nora. I was a dick.”
Asshole just had to beat me to apologizing.
“You were,” Nora agrees.
“What can I say?” He shrugs his shoulders. “Scarlet brings out the worst in me.”
Nora rolls her eyes. “There’s a fine line between love?—”
Ellis slams his hands over his ears. “Don’t you dare finish that sentence. The only person who’s ever loved that she-devil is her parents, and even that’s questionable.”
“Ellis Wilder, you better be nice, because there’s no way I’m naming my son after an asshole!”
“Whoa!” My best friend clutches at his chest like he’s been shot. “Okay, okay. I’ll play nice—ish.”
“I’ll take what I can get.” Nora sighs and shakes her head. “Be safe, okay?”
