Page 158 of Dark Tangled Truths
“And if he had...” The words catch in her throat. A tear clings to her eyelash.
I touch her jaw and breathe her in because we’re out of it, but part of me is still in that room, helpless to save her, willing to do anything to spare her pain.
“I would have killed him if he tried. And if I couldn’t stop him...” My breath catches in my throat. If he had, he wouldn’t be alive, but that’s not what she’s asking. “I would have held you and helped you heal because you’re mine. You’re mine to take care of. All of you. No matter what happens to you, nothing will change how I feel about you. I belong to you.”
She grabs my shirt and cries softly against me.
“If it meant you lived, I would have gladly given up hockey. He forgot to mention that I’m smart.”
She laughs a little.
“I’d just become a lawyer and make sure he spent every day in prison for the rest of his life.”
“Maybe with help he could be a good guy.” Her watery eyes lift to mine. “As long as it’s far away from me.”
“I think he got the message this time, little devil.” I kiss her forehead. “And if he didn’t, he’ll be reminded every time he looks in the mirror.”
“I still can’t believe I did that.” Her eyes widen.
“I can. I know better than to get on your bad side, Evan.” I pull her into me, and she snuggles against my chest. “I’ve always known you were a little devil.”
CHAPTER 49
EvanAnn
“Are you sure you’re okay?”Lisa sets down two glasses of water on the coffee table. “Do you need anything else?”
“No, thank you,” I say.
Cam shakes his head. “One more day and we can both go back to school.”
Lisa smiles and shakes her head. She reaches out and cups my cheek. “I’m just glad I get both of you.”
Lisa’s been kind and attentive. Mom talked about staying home from work, but she has a big project right now. Lisa, Cam’s mom, was more than happy to offer to keep both of us during the day. Cam can’t move around a lot, and I’m not supposed to do anything mentally taxing for two days and limit screen time.
This is day two, and I’m going stir crazy.
“You just yell if you need anything else.” Lisa walks out of the family room.
Cam lifts my hand. “Okay, what can we do that won’t disrupt your brain healing?”
“Mom got me a coloring book.” I hold it up. “I’d rather work on the pacing of the fourth act.”
“Tomorrow.”
“It’s so frustrating. I know Keira has this. That she can handle two days of practice without me. I’m sure Jason is doing excellent standing in for Desdemona and that Mark is selling the shit out of it. But I hate that I can’t do what I’m supposed to be doing.” I flick the coloring book back onto the coffee table.
I should be there at practice. Both Chase and I are out. So Jason is doing double time when he can as both Desdemona and Iago. Though he’s playing Iago and standing in for me. Even a little beat up, both Chase and I will be back to working. The show must go on.
But right now, all I can do is sit. At least Cam is with me.
Cam holds out his other hand to me. When I give him it, he shifts me in to rest on his chest. He’s got his leg elevated. We walked for a little bit to get some exercise, but neither of us is supposed to overdo it.
I rest my head on his chest and pout.
“I know the answer to this, but I’m going to ask anyway.” Cam lightly trails his fingers down my back.
“What?”
