Page 43 of Before and After

“Broody…”

Dammit. I shouldn’t have touched her.

I’d already gone over this in my head a hundred times. She deserved far better and less complicated than me. She deserved someone who’d make her life easier, not harder.

I stepped back, and when I saw the disappointment on her face, fought from reaching for her again.

“Allie—”

“If you apologize again, I’ll punch you.”

I dragged in a breath and I stayed silent.

What else was there to say?

Then I gave her a tight nod. “I’ll drive you home.”

Chapter 11

Allie

Stepping into the hospital in the bright light of day felt different.

It was busier than it had been last night, with more people racing around, but it had the same smell of antiseptic. I turned into the corridor, carrying a bunch of flowers. I wanted to check on Mellody, and make sure she was okay.

But all I could think about was a certain dark and broody man.

One who’d kissed me like I was everything, made me come fast and hard, and then had pushed me away.

My belly tied itself into hot, little knots.

I’d never been kissed like that before. I’d never had a man touch me with such blatant possession.

Then he’d pushed me away.Twice.

Clearly, I was a sucker for punishment.

I lifted my chin. I didn’t need Caden Castro. Hell, I had no room for kisses and orgasms that rocked my world and shook my foundation. I needed to be strong and independent. It wasn’t just me I had to worry about anymore. I knew that when you leaned on someone, it hurt too much when they were yanked away. It left you stumbling and unsteady and ready to fall.

I’d barely survived losing Sean. I didn’t want to do that again.

I had Ollie now, so I couldn’t fall.

“Aunt Allie. You’re walking too fast.”

I jerked to a halt and spun. Ollie powered up beside me. It was cold today, so he was in a jacket and a different woolly hat. It was vibrant green with white dino spikes along the top and a dino face on the front. Sylvie had an entire collection of winter hats for him. A pang hit me. I wished she was here to see him.

“Sorry, buddy.”

He reached out and touched my hand, then pulled back. My heart ached. I’d give anything for him to hold my hand.

“I’m sorry your friend got hurt.”

He was so sweet. “Me too, Ol-ster. Let’s give her the flowers, then get you to school.” I handed the bouquet to him.

We’d come early before school to visit Mellody, plus I had an early shift today at the hotel. I was pretty sure the bags under my eyes had their own suitcases. I’d only had a few fitful hours. Between thoughts of Mellody and Caden, my sleep was nonexistent.

We found her room and knocked.