Page 49 of Darkened Promises

“Thank you.” I smile, even if it’s wobbly.

“Don’t let any of them push you into something you’re not ready for. If you need more time, tell them, and don’t think you need to make them happy.” She quirks a brow at me.

I roll my eyes. “None of them would do anything like that. They’ve all stayed well away from starting anything. But what if…I do want something? How do I know if I’m ready?”

Steph sits back on the bed beside me. “I don’t know how to answer that one for you. I guess you just need to listen to what you need. Maybe consider reaching out to your previous therapist?”

“Yeah, I’ll have a think about it.” I slide off the bed and walk to the door. “Bry might have baked leftovers, if you want some?”

“Bitch, don’t tease me unless you’re certain.” She groans, her head tipping back on her shoulders, then pushes up from the bed.

Chuckling, I open the door and come face to face with Nate, still leaning against the wall.

“You okay?” he asks, sliding a hand around the back of my neck. His thumb rubs against the collar marks that faintly linger. I’ve noticed him do the same thing with some of my other marks, almost as if he wishes he could erase them with his touch.

“We need snacks,” I tell him, avoiding answering as I do every time he asks. I can’t lie, but sometimes telling him the truth is just as hard as lying.

TWENTY-SEVEN

BRY

Rosy has lived with us for a week now, and even though it’s due to the worst imaginable circumstances, I’ve loved her being here so much.

My birth mother was right; I am selfish.

I shouldn’t want her to never leave; I shouldn’t enjoy having her here all day with me whilst baking and working.

Watching her daily struggles has been unbearable. We’re all floundering with the inability to make things easier for her. It seems there are moments where the darkness lifts for her—there’ll be a smile or look that seems lighter and real—then the veil drops, and she shrinks back in on herself, shrouded again by the heavy weight she’s carrying.

None of us blames or begrudges her the healing journey. I just feel so helpless.

Rosy tenses in my arms, so I smooth back her hair and drop a kiss on her forehead. Her nightmares aren’t as intense if one of us holds her all night. All we have to do is use a soft touch or words, and it seems to ease her back into sleep.

Noah and Max both already left for work, unable to take more time off. Nate popped out to the gym, as he’s still not comfortable being away from Rosy for too long or being too far away.

Not that I can claim any different. She’s probably not aware, but I’ve started receiving grocery deliveries rather than going into the stores, and I’ve also scheduled collections for posting orders, so I don’t need to leave for those either.

In fact, I’m not sure I’ve left the building at all since we brought her home. Neither has she, so I haven’t needed to.

With the others out, I’ve remained in bed with her, even though usually I’m up by now making a start on orders, but with Rosy needing the sleep, this is more important.

“Mmm.” She wriggles in closer, burrowing her face into my neck.

“Are we leaving the land of nod?” I chuckle, squeezing her to me.

“Partly.” She sighs. “Still feel so tired, though.”

I thread my fingers through her soft strands. The scent of her hair products is muted since Noah last washed it for her. It’s sweet watching him care for her, and when he washed her hair in the bath on the weekend, I’d sat on the floor to keep them company.

“Sleep a bit more if you want.”

“I should get up, but I’m too cosy,” she mumbles into my chest.

The heat of her breath brings things to life that has me subtly pulling my hips back. I can’t control my reactions to her, but I can at least not alert her to them. The last thing I want is for Rosy to feel pressured to do anything when she needs time.

I’m in no rush, content to just snuggle for as long as she’ll let me.

But Rosy follows me, chasing the contact and slotting her body into mine. She freezes, obviously finding what I was trying to hide.