“But I can’t live in a world you don’t exist in.”
“Luckily, you don’t have to.” My mind drifts to Landon but I shake off my thoughts. I was protecting Hayley, and Zane was protecting us both. There’s nothing more to it. “Come here.” I beckon Hayley over but she shakes her head no.
“Hayls,” I scold jokingly but when her eyes water, my heart aches for her. “Now, Hayls.” I try the tough love approach, knowing she loves that. “I can’t come to you and I need you in my arms.”
She takes a couple of steps closer but stops just out of reach. “Two truths and a lie?” she rasps and I huff out a laugh, sitting up until a pain shoots through me.Why do I keep doing that?
“Okay, Hayls.” I bite back a groan. “Two truths and a lie. Me or you?”
“Me,” she responds quickly and I nod as she takes a deep breath. “One… I’ve never been more terrified of anything in my life than when you bled out all over me.” The tension in my chest tightens and I suck in a breath, quietly staving off tears. “Two… I’m sorry I told your parents off; I was out of line.” A laugh bursts out of me and I cringe from the pain. I can’t tell if I’m laughing because it’s funny or because of how fucked up this entire situation is.
“And three?” I croak out.
“Three… I have something important to tell you.” She sucks in a breath just like I did and I put on a grin.
“The second one’s a lie. You’re not sorry. And if you are, you shouldn’t be.”
The smallest of smiles pulls at Hayley’s lips before she releases a breathy laugh. “You’re right. I’m not sorry.”
I chuckle softly so I don’t hurt myself again, but when I think of her truths, the laughter fades. “I’m sorry I scared you, Hayls. I’m not sorry I pushed you away and ended up in the hospital, but I’m sorry for what you had to go through.”
“Oh, Reed.” She finally takes the last few steps to settle at my side, intertwining our fingers. “Yousavedme. You have nothing to be sorry about.I’msorry. Sorry I didn’t see the signs sooner. Sorry I never recognised Landon when he was following me around. The police said it was him, you know? He was the stalker. He had photos on his phone. But not just me. Of both of us.”
I frown even though it’s not news to me. “None of this is your fault, Hayls. And while I’m still coming to terms with Landon’s condition, I’m thankful we’re okay.”
“Thankful? Reed, you’re not okay. You—”
“I am okay, Hayls. I survived.”
“You survived, yes, but you were unconscious. I’ve been here for almost two days, desperate for you to wake up.” Her eyes water again, and I wish more than anything that I could stand up and hug her.
“I know,” I whisper. “And if I could change that part of it, so you didn’t have to worry, I would.” I squeeze her hand before gently tugging her toward me, thankful when she lets me get her close enough that I can cup her face. “I’m sorry, Hayls. I am. But I’m okay because it was me and not you.”
“Here’s the thing. I love that you want to take care of everyone and be the guy people can count on, but who’s taking care ofyou? Who’s out there protecting you when you don’t look after yourself?”
“You don’t know?”
“No.”
“You,Hayls. I never asked you to and I never would have agreed to it if you’d suggested being my protector, but you’ve been looking out for me for months, maybe even years. And it turns out I have Zane too. And Luke and Thomas and Dylan. Hell, probably even East.”
“Reed.” She pulls her hand away and when it takes me a second to let go, she subtly flinches.
“Are you hurt?” My pulse spikes as I assess her. “Did you get hurt?”
“It’s just a cut, I promise. I’m fine.”
“Show me.”
She lifts her sleeve to show me a small dressing on her upper arm. “See, just a cut.”
I hate that he hurt her, but I’m certain the emotional pain is worse.
“Are you sure it’s not more than you’re telling me?”
“I promise.”
“Thank God. Good. Can we talk about your next truth now? I’m particularly interested in that one.” And I need to hear something positive.
