Page 50 of Blackstone's Heart

“As much as getting rip roaring drunk sounds appealing, I doubt it would be a good idea right now.” She smirked.

“Yeah, probably not.” He agreed.

“Lance, I don’t know what to do. I’m scared and I hate feeling scared. Christ, I’m constantly looking over my shoulder whenever I leave the dammed house!”

Lance quickly snatched the mug from her hand when he saw her whole body trembling. He turned and placed the mug on the counter and when he turned to face her once more, he found his arms full of a shaking and sniffling Krista. Having very little experience with crying women, except his mother, Lance awkwardly closed his arms around her.

“It’s okay. It’s okay to be scared.” He whispered.

“I don’t get scared Lance. I…just…don’t.” She cried.

Lance looked to his left just in time to see Ethan walk in. He threw his friend and boss and pleading look for help. Ethan moved to them and gently pulled Krista from Lance’s arms and into his own. Krista clung to Ethan as her cries became harsher, like she was purging herself of the feelings coursing through her. Lance watched as Ethan scooped Krista up and walk away. Sighing, Lance returned to the living room. A few moments later Ethan returned to the living room.

“She alright boss?”

“Fuck Lance, she’s tore up about this whole thing. I don’t know how to help her and it’s killing me.”

Lance ran a hand over his shaved head. “I don’t know what to tell ya boss. This is worse than that shit in Iraq. It’s more personal.”

Ethan leaned back on the couch and laid his head against the back. “I know. Christ, I know she’s strong but I have no idea how she’s going to bounce back from this. Or if she will.”

Lance got up and moved to sit next to his boss and friend. “Ethan, listen to me. Remember when I told you my full story? I told you that I was damaged. You told me that I was full of shit.”

Ethan snorted as he recalled that day. “Yeah, yeah I remember. I told you that you were stronger than you knew and that you would find out just how strong one day.”

“Now I’m saying the same thing. Your woman is one of the strongest women I know besides my mother. Krista will pull through this and you’ll help her do that Ethan. She needs you to be her rock right now. That’s how you’ll help her.” Lance said.

Ethan stared at his friend and teammate in shock. He had known Lance Archer for over a decade now and that was the most heartfelt speech he had ever heard out of the man. “Damn, I think you missed your calling buddy.”

Lance smirked, “Fuck you.”

Ethan laughed. “Well, I’m gonna turn in. You good?”

Lance nodded. “Yeah, I’m good. I’ll be leaving about 0600 in the morning.”

Ethan patted Lance on the shoulder before he stood and headed upstairs. He slipped into the darkened bedroom and in the darkness could make out Krista curled up in a ball in the middle of her bed. Quietly he stripped and then slipped between the sheets with her. Without waiting, Ethan pulled her close. He felt her tense body relax the second she was securely in his arms.

“Just hang on to me now baby. I’ve got you and I’ll hold you through this. I love you Krista.” He whispered.

“Ethan.” Krista breathed.