Page 88

“You don’t have to—” I begin, but she silences me with a look.

“I want to,” she says simply.

Something in her voice makes my throat close up. This isn’t the passionate heat we usually share. This is different—softer, more vulnerable. It terrifies me how much I need it right now.

Once I’m undressed, Eve turns the shower on and strips out of her own clothes before she leads me there.

The water cascades over us in a warm rush as Eve steps into the shower behind me. Her hands are impossibly gentle, mindful of the bandaged wound on my arm.

“Let’s get you clean.” She reaches for the soap and works the lather across my shoulders and down my back. The familiar scent of my body wash fills the steam-laden air, but it’s her touch that truly begins to wash away the night’s horrors.

I close my eyes as her fingers trace careful patterns across my skin. Pink-tinged water swirls at our feet—Seb’s blood and mine finally washing away.

Eve’s hands slide down my chest, her movements methodical yet tender. There’s nothing sexual in her touch tonight, just pure devotion.

“Lean down,” she whispers, and I comply without hesitation. Her fingers thread through my hair, massaging my scalp as she works in the shampoo. The simple pleasure of it makesme groan, tension I didn’t even know I was carrying beginning to dissolve. My muscles gradually unlock, the crushing weight of responsibility temporarily lifting under the steady stream of water and the gentle pressure of her hands.

When she reaches for a washcloth to tend to my face, her expression is focused, tender. She wipes away the last traces of blood and grime with such care that something inside me threatens to break.

Once clean, she turns the water off then towels me down with the same meticulous care. This role reversal is foreign to me. I’m supposed to be the one taking care of those important to me, not the other way around.

Eve’s hands are gentle as she helps me dress, sliding a clean t-shirt over my head and helping me step into fresh boxers. Every touch is full of tenderness. I’m not used to vulnerability.

“Come on,” she whispers, guiding me toward our bed. Her voice is soothing, like she’s trying not to spook a wounded animal. Maybe that’s what I am right now.

The sheets are cool against my skin as she helps me lie down. My body feels heavy, weighed down by exhaustion and the lingering effects of blood loss. Eve tucks the comforter around me, her fingers smoothing out nonexistent wrinkles.

She climbs in beside me, immediately pressing close. Her body molds to mine—chest to back, her arm draped carefully over my waist, avoiding my injured arm. Her scent comforts me. Her breath is warm against my neck.

“Sleep,” she murmurs, pressing a kiss to my shoulder. “I’ve got you.”

Something inside me unravels. Here, in the quiet darkness of our room, with Eve’s heartbeat against my back and her arm holding me close, I let myself believe her. Let myself sink into the safety she offers.

For the first time since seeing Seb’s blood spreading across the ground, I can breathe. The constant vigilance, the burden of responsibility, the immense fear—it all recedes under the gentle pressure of Eve’s embrace.

Her fingers trace lazy patterns on my chest, and I match my breathing to hers.

Slow. Steady. Safe.

Chapter 19

Shattered Faith

Evelyn

The morning sunlight streams through the bedroom window, casting a soft glow across Zeke’s sleeping form. His face is peaceful in sleep, a stark contrast to the haunted look he wore last night. My fingers trace the edge of his bandage, careful not to disturb him. The events of last night replay in my mind—the blood, Seb’s pale face, Leo’s frightened tears.

A soft knock at the door breaks my reverie. “Aunt Evie?” Leo’s voice trembles.

“Come in, sweetheart,” I whisper, easing away from Zeke.

Leo peers around the door, his blue eyes wide with worry. “Is Uncle Seb okay? I heard noises downstairs.”

I slide out of bed, padding over to him in my oversized t-shirt. “Yes, he’s going to be okay.”

Tears well up in his eyes, and I hate the fear I see written all over his features. “That was scary.”

I pull him close and wrap my arms around him. “I know buddy. I’m so sorry you saw that, but he’s better now.”