Page 107 of Silk Sheets

“But this time it’s different. Complicated. And Solace, I swear if I could tell you, I would,” I assured her, finally meeting her eyes. “But I just can’t…”

“Does he hurt you?” she fearfully asked, reaching over to grab my hand.

“No,” I shook my head. “He doesn’t. It’s just—”

“Complicated,” she half smiled.

“You understand?” I anxiously clutched my hands on my lap and she gave my hand a little squeeze.

“Yeah,” she whispered. “I trust you.” My heart swelled with happiness and I smiled, leaning over to wrap my arms around her. “But you know thatyoucan trustme, right?”

We broke the hug, and my nod was instant. “I know that.”

“And if he hurts you, you won’t hesitate to find me?” her eyes narrowed and I nodded again.

“I won’t hesitate,” I shook my head.

“That’s my girl,” she tugged me closer and I plopped down beside her, our backs resting against one of the machines.

We decided that this was exactly where we needed to be right now. On the floor, enjoying snacks away from the rest of the loud world.

We talked for what felt like hours, and eventually, I didn’t feel as horrible as I did when I first got here.

With Logan’s reassurance and Solace not being upset or feeling any type of way about what she saw, I was finally at ease.

My cell phone rang and anxiety pulsed in my neck. I nervously glanced up at Solace and her brows drew together in confusion. I showed Logan’s name glowing across my screen and she immediately slammed her hand over her mouth. “I’m not here,” she whispered and I smiled before answering lifting my cellphone to my ear.

“Logan?”

“Where are you?”

I smiled. “Hiding.”

His voice was a stern warning.“Dakota.”

“I just needed to be alone for a while, why? Do you need me?”

“How are you feeling?”

I sighed, gathering my thoughts. “Much better,” I truthfully answered. “And… Solace isn’t going to tell anyone what she saw,” I hesitantly said, looking up at her and she nodded in confirmation.

“Let Kaden know when you’re ready to leave,”he said and I chewed the inside of my cheek. I opened my mouth to protest, but closed it again.“You can’t come home with me, or Chase,”he explained.“You know that, baby.”

Goosebumps trailed up my neck. “I’ll find him when I’m ready to leave,” I sighed.

“Have fun. I’ll see you at home.”

I smiled, but it faltered.Home. Clearing my throat, I finally said goodbye and ended the call. I tossed my cell phone to the grass, feeling the world on my shoulders again.My home wasn’t a place, it was them. Logan, Chase, and Kaden… but—

“Come on,” Solace got to her feet. She extended her hand toward me as though she could read my saddened mind. “It’s a carnival and we’ve been saved from kissing multiple college guys. Let’s go have some fun,” she grinned, and I couldn’t help but smile as I took her hand.

* * *

The drive back home with Kaden was quiet, and I simply forced myself to stare out of the window.

As soon as we got to the house I headed straight for the shower and got dressed into my pajamas.

I entered Chase’s bedroom as he got into bed, and I quietly shut the door behind myself. “Mr Madden,” I reluctantly said, watching him open his arms.