I expected anger or disappointment, but I only see appreciation.
“Thank you, Hailee. That was incredibly dumb of you, but thank you.”
I nod, unable to speak.
“Don’t you dare do that again,” Nate whispers in my ear.
Rocky chuckles. “Nate was losing his mind. Willow didn’t want to fill him in on the plan.”
“For a good reason.” She gives Nate a knowing look. “I think I put on my best performance yet when Nate told me how you turned your back on us.”
I swallow hard. “I would never abandon you guys. I knew I was risking you hating me forever, but I would do anything to protect you. You’re my family.”
Willow reluctantly pulls away from me as we hear a moan.
I gasp, my eyes locking on Celeste.
“I’ll take care of this.” Rocky turns, but Willow places a hand on his arm.
“We handle it together.”
Willow looks back at me.
“Go. I think I need a minute to process everything that happened tonight.”
“We will be back in a couple hours, then. We have a mess to clean up. Nate?” Rocky asks.
I look up at Nate. He shakes his head.
“I’m going to stay with Hailee.”
Rocky nods. “Good choice. We can fill you in later.”
As Rocky picks up Celeste, Willow goes to open the back door. Once they are gone, Nate turns me into his arms.
“How about a shower then rest? You’ve had one hell of a night.”
“Okay.”
He takes my hand, leading me down the hallway toward their bathroom. Once inside, he turns the water on, then pulls me into him with the hand he is still holding. Brushing a piece of hair from my face, he leans down, pressing a kiss gently to my lips.
“I’ll go get something for you to change into.”
Before he can step around me, I wrap my arms around him. He tenses for one moment before wrapping his arms around me.
“Don’t leave me? Please?” My voice is low and vulnerable.
“I won’t.” Nate steps back, his hands going to the hem of my shirt.
He pulls up slowly, helping me undress. Once naked, he holds out his hand, helping me into the shower.
His eyes stay respectful. If I wasn’t such a mess, I might be upset about the lack of straying, but right now all I need is his presence.
“Come in with me?” I ask again.
He quickly strips, stepping into the shower behind me. I stand under the water, letting it hit my body. Nate steps in closer, wrapping his arms around me as we stay silent.
After several moments, he picks up a loofa, squeezing somebody’s wash onto it. Then he gently washes my body.
