Page 120 of Under Water

“I don’t know. I hope not, but I’m not going to let him get close to you again.”

Elio bites his lip and nods. “I’m going back to school next week, right?”

He is. I’m still waiting on a call from the superintendent. Hell, even the principal didn’t do more than reach out with a form-letter apology, but they know that I have a lawyer since he’s called multiple times in an attempt to speak with the school’s legal team.

It’ll be a battle, but Elio misses his friends. And while I’m going to be keeping the closest eye on him possible—so much it’ll probably embarrass him—I’m going to let him have this.

“You and I both know they won’t let Neal get within ten thousand feet of that school. The protective order has been filed,” I remind him. “You’ll be safe.”

He puffs out a breath. “And you too, right? You and Easton?”

“Yes. Easton and I are going to look at rental houses today.” In my periphery, I see Easton straighten up a little.

Elio’s eyes go wide. “Together? Like…living together?”

“Yes. And Leo and North said we can stay here until we find a place since we have to wait for Grandma and Grandpa’s house to get repaired. And Neal can’t find us here.”

Elio looks relieved. “Okay. That’s good. I’m happy about that.”

“Good.” I lean over and hug him, pressing a kiss to his temple. “Call me if you need me. I don’t think court will take long.”

Easton gets his hug next as I pull Daphne close.

“Text me the moment you know something,” she whispers in my ear. “And sorry about before. He told you, right?”

I nod.

“Do yourself a favor, Rune. Say yes.”

I promise her nothing, but I do take Easton’s hand as we head for the door, and it’s that feeling of being totally and completely grounded that is going to get me through the next few hours.

“No bond.”

The words don’t sound real, but I have to speak them into the universe, almost like sealing a promise. Neal didn’t say a word during the arraignment other than to enter his initial plea, which was Not Guilty. But I caught his public defender whispering frantically in his ear after the judge said that he was too much of a flight risk to be allowed out, so I have a feeling a plea deal is going to, as Elio would say, enter the chat.

Easton kisses my hand, then tugs me close and kisses me. “Celebrate?”

“Yes. I think we go talk to Cam’s sister about getting a place together.”

He lets out a quiet noise. “I’ll have to put my condo on the market.”

“Oh. Well⁠—”

“No,” he interrupts. “I’m excited to. I don’t need it. I need you,” he tells me.

I smile, then tilt my head back. It’s finally sunny, and it’s warm on my face. Summer is approaching, which means humidity’s on the way, but for now, I can enjoy the last bits of spring.

I love where we live, and in this moment, I’m glad that Neal couldn’t rob me of that. I had thought about fleeing so many times, but refusing to budge feels a million times better.

“What do you think comes next?” Easton asks as we make our way to the parking garage.

I shrug. “About us? About Neal?”

“Neal,” he says. “Us too, but I have a pretty good idea about that one.” He waggles his brows, and I burst into laughter.

“I love you.”

He grins wider. “I love you back.”