I’d started using the nickname when we were little, but sometime after I’d put up that wall between us, she’d started biting my head off every time I said it.
“Love it,” she hiccupped. “But it killed before, too.”
A burn lit deep in my chest.
“It reminded me of everything I’d lost.”
I nuzzled her neck. “I’m so sorry.”
“But I have it back now. I have more than I ever thought I would. But I can’t help but wonder if I’m being the most selfish person on the planet.”
I reared back. “Why the hell would you think you’re selfish?”
“You saw that picture, Caden. Whoever this is hates that we’re together. They’ve burned entire buildings. What happens when that isn’t enough? Everyone’s so worried about me, but it’syouthey should be worried about.”
I pulled Grae against my chest, holding her tightly. “I’m going to be fine.”
“You don’t know that.” Grae’s voice trembled with each word. “I can’t lose you. Can’t be the reason something happens to you.”
Fear spiked deep, clawing at my insides. “Don’t even think about walking away from me,” I growled.
She shook her head against my chest. “I can’t. Maybe I’m too weak, after all. Maybe you’re just my kryptonite.” She pulled back, her watery eyes locking with mine. “Promise me you won’t leave me.”
I framed her face in my hands. “I promise.”
I just hoped she could give me the same.
33
CADEN
“If you ruin this viewing,I really am going to use you as my next knife dummy.”
Grae pinned Nash with a stare so cold I believed her. But the whole image just made me want to laugh because while she was glaring at her brother, she was wearing a unicorn onesie complete with a horn and fuzzy rainbow socks.
Maddie let out a low whistle as she kicked her own rainbow-colored feet up onto the coffee table. “I’d watch out, Nash. G and Wren take theirLittle Womenviewingsveryseriously.”
Wren hauled a bowl of popcorn onto her lap. “Do you remember when you interrupted Beth’s death scene last time?”
Nash eyed the bowl of popcorn warily. “She beaned me with a bowl just like that one.”
Grae snorted, flopping onto the couch next to her two fellow unicorns. “You deserved it.”
His gaze narrowed on her. “You could’ve given me a concussion.”
“Two words. Beth’s. Death. You don’t mess with that.”
“She’s right, Nash Bash,” Wren said, popping a piece of popcorn into her mouth.
Nash gaped at her and then turned wide eyes to his fiancée. “You aren’t going to defend me?”
Maddie held up both hands. “I’m staying out of this. I’m just here for the popcorn.”
Grae snickered.
“Oh, shut up,” he clipped.
My phone dinged, and I slid it out of my pocket.
