Page 131 of Control Freak

“Holden, you have to take care of yourself,” Gray said.

“Fuck that! I have to take care of Shiloh!”

His brothers tried to cajole him into bed, but Holden wasn’t having it. I was afraid he’d spiral out again. So I stepped forward, between him and his brothers.

“Look at me, Holden. I’m right here. I’m safe.”

His eyes darted from his brothers to me to the door and back. Finally, he settled his gaze on my face. “Shiloh, I have to do something.”

“I know,” I said gently. “But the guys are in jail. They won’t be back right away. Let’s rest first, okay?”

He hesitated, looking conflicted.

“Please?” I said. “I’m worried about you.”

He gave in. “Fine, but nothing happens without waking me.”

“Nothing,” Gray said, drawing a cross over his heart. “I swear, bro.”

One by one, his brothers promised not to take any action without his say-so, and he finally turned toward the bedroom. “Fine. I’m going.”

He trudged down the hall, shoulders slumped, looking like he carried the weight of the world. I followed him, making sure he made it into bed okay.

Banshee hopped up beside him. I opened my mouth to call her away, but Holden slipped one hand into her fur and sighed with relief.

My heart ached. I wished I could give him that kind of comfort.

I turned to leave.

“Wait,” he said.

I paused, casting a look back at him. “Yes?”

“Stay with me?”

I moved toward the side of the bed. “Are you sure? I don’t want to cause you unease.”

“I want you here. Want you close. Always.”

“Okay, then.” I climbed into the bed behind him, careful not to jostle him, and watched as his eyes slipped closed.

“Hate that I’m so weak,” he murmured.

“Are you kidding?” I scoffed. “You protected me, knowing what would happen. That was the strongest thing I’ve ever seen.”

His lips curled up a little. “Well, as long as you’re impressed…”

“I am,” I murmured. “Always.”

I stayed with him until he fell asleep, watching his chest finally rise and fall in a calm, relaxed rhythm. Saw the tension seep out of his face. The worried creases in his brow smoothed out, and his mouth went slack as he snored quietly.

He was safe and at peace—for now. But if I stayed, how long would that really last?

I crept out of bed and headed down the hall to the kitchen, where his brothers sat around the table, talking quietly.

Bailey looked over at my approach, his face so young and vulnerable. “How is he?”

“Sleeping,” I said.