Page 60 of Outcast’s Return

Nightmares. Horrible dreams full of blackness and despair and the sense of drowning. It feels like I’m choking as I yell into the night. And as I sit up in a cocktail of fear and panic, I feel powerful arms around me.

Fabien’s arms.

And then I hear his voice, softer than I’ve heard it in years.

“It’s just nightmares, Jolie. You’re okay. You’re safe. It’s just your mind. It’s all in your mind. I’m here.”

I don’t know why, but the screaming gives way to crying. Tears that pour forth unfiltered and uncontrolled. I try to hold it all in.

Not in front of him.

But his arms are so familiar, so comforting. I could melt into those safe arms I remember. There’s so much shame in needing him, but I want him desperately to make everything okay.

“Why are you doing this?” I ask him, my voice barely audible.

“The worst sound in the world is you in pain,” Fabien replies, “and I would do anything to stop it.”

“But you said you hate me.”

He pulls me in close to his warm body.

“And not comfort you when you’re scared? I’m not a monster, Jolie.”

His voice cracks on my name. I know this moment doesn’t erase a thing. I know this embrace is his instinct, not forgiveness, but I can’t help it. I’m crying on his bare shoulder now. His scent envelops me.

“It’s like when you were a girl,” Fabien whispers as he strokes the back of my neck while tears run down my cheeks. “I remember those nightmares. You never outgrew this.”

I don’t deserve this. I don’t say a word. I barely can through my sobs. Fabien keeps hugging me close, refusing to let me go.

I can feel his heart racing. I can feel his hurt.

And I can feel his desire to care for me.

Whatever might happen in the morning, for now we both just exist like this, here in our shared bed. Me crying big tears, and him trying not to fall apart.

And after a long while, once the tears are gone, Fabien lays me back down, and I instinctively snuggle into him, into that safety, quickly falling into the best sleep I’ve had in years.

DAY THREE

21

JOLIE

I’m up and out of the penthouse before Fabien even stirs. He’s dead to the world, his eyes shut and his chest slowly rising with each long breath. Last night must’ve taken it out of him. All that possessiveness at the nightclub, the hatred boiling in the car home, the tenderness he showed when he calmed me to sleep after the nightmares? It must’ve been all so much for him. It was for me.

But I can’t think about it. Not today.

I have an acquisition to pitch.

As I’m driven to the office in the back of the rideshare with my folder safely tucked under my arm, I message Steven a long thank you message. I tell him how grateful I am to have him in my life, and I thank him for the confidence he’s given me.

I feel strong. I can do this. I’m going to kick ass.

“You ready?” Clement asks me as I get out of the car outside the office of Worcester Asset Management. He’s been waiting for me.

I look up at the imposing building.

“I’m ready,” I say to my brother.