Page 43

Chapter 42

I breathe in her scent—strawberries and vanilla. The feeling of her relaxed against me is indescribable. My obsession with this girl continues to grow. I wrap an arm around her shoulders and steer the boat toward my house. The house no longer feels like a place I want to live. Maybe it never has. My home is wherever Tessa will be.

I dock the boat and help my lady out—not because she needs it, but because I need my hands on her. My life revolves around her now.

After grabbing a few changes of clothes, we head back to her house. We may not have always been close, but my concern for Allie is growing. And I know Tess is worried about her too.

We find Allie still asleep on the couch, and I lift her gently to carry her to the guest bedroom. She stirs, whimpering in her sleep, when I tuck her into bed. Brushing a strand of hair from her face I tuck her under the comforter just as Tess enters with a bottle of water and two aspirin, placing them on the nightstand .

“I’m so worried about her,” she whispers, concern shining in her eyes as she watches Allie.

“I know, me too.” I gently guide Tess out of the room, closing the door silently behind us. “Let’s get you to bed.”

She doesn’t argue, as I expected. Exhaustion from the events of the past few days is evident on her beautiful face.

I strip down to my boxers and toss her one of my t-shirts. Shedding her clothes she throws it on, and as much as I’d love to sink into her, we both need sleep. I pull her into my arms, her head resting on my chest. Within moments, her breathing is slow and steady. I follow her lead, letting sleep claim me.

Screams jolt me awake.

Tessa’s startled eyes meet mine, and we jump out of bed, heading for the guest room. In there, Allie is thrashing on the mattress, fighting off some demon in her nightmare, and I’ve got a good idea of who that demon might be. Fortunately for her, he’s floating at the bottom of the lake. He’ll never hurt her or anyone else again.

“Allie,” I shake her lightly. “Allie! Wake up!”

Her eyes pop open, and she shrinks away from me, scooting to the far side of the bed. “Please don’t hurt me. Don’t hurt me.”

“Allie, it’s me. It’s Eli.”

Recognition slowly dawns in her eyes. She looks around the room, realizing where she is.

“You were having a nightmare, cuz. It’s okay, I’m right here.”

She places a hand on her abdomen, and a sob rises in her throat before she throws herself toward me. I hold her tightly as tears stream down her face. Tessa settles on the other side of the bed, wrapping her arms around Allie as we do our best to comfort her. She eventually falls asleep, and I ease myself away from her, careful not to wake her. Tess has also fallen asleep, so I cover them both and head downstairs.

I feel so helpless, and that’s a feeling I fucking hate. It’s like everything inside me is tied in knots, my pride, my control, all slipping away. If I could bring Dalton back to life and kill him all over again, I would. I was fine with letting Tess take control, but deep down I wish I’d gotten a few more licks in. A tremor runs through me, a low hum of barely contained fury, as my rage slowly builds.

Never again will I let anyone harm those I love.

Unable to sleep, I give up and put on a pot of coffee since it’s just after five in the morning. While I wait, I walk outside and call Jace, knowing he’s always awake this early.

“How is she?” Jace asks as he answers.

“She’s physically okay, but emotionally, not so much.” My tone is somber.

“Fuck,” he mutters.

I’ve known for a while that Jace might have feelings for my cousin. He’s never voiced it to me, but I’ve seen the way he looks at her, and the death glares he’s given Dalton.

“She’ll be okay. She just needs time.”

“Is there anything I can do? ”

“Yeah, sort of. I need you to keep handling things with the business. Keep Trevor and the guys busy.”

We talk about some of the jobs and plans for the week before I end the call. Jace is nothing if not reliable. He’s always had my back. I’ve just started breakfast when Tess walks into the kitchen. Her hair is messy, but she looks amazing in my t-shirt, which falls to mid-thigh. After making herself a cup of coffee, she takes a seat at the island, crossing her legs and leaning back in the chair, grinning at me. It’s really nice seeing her like this—so relaxed and happy.

“A man cooking me breakfast is sexy as hell.”

“We have to keep you fed.” My lips curl up into a smug smile. “You burned a lot of calories yesterday.” She rolls her eyes. “Just another day for me. I need to go for a run. I’ve been slacking the last few days.”

We banter lightly as I finish cooking the eggs and plate our food. I set aside a third plate, hoping we can get Allie to eat something this morning.

“Oh my god… this is so good,” Tess moans.

“You’re going to have to stop making those sounds unless you want me to fuck you on this table right now.” My dick twitches, and I groan. Her eyes widen in desire, and she tangles her legs with mine under the table.

Tessa picks up another bite, grinning wickedly at me. She takes a slow bite, moans again, then licks the fork clean.

“That’s it!” I pull her out of the chair, tickling her stomach. She giggles and tries to escape, but I corner her against the island. My hands slide up her thighs as a loud thump pulls my attention away.

A suitcase lands at the bottom of the stairs, and Allie is glaring at us from the top .

“Can you two keep your hands off each other for more than five minutes?” Her irritation is evident in her tone.

Tess startles, her face flushes as I slowly pull away, kissing her forehead. “Allie, what’s going on?”

“I’m leaving.”

“What?” Tess straightens. “Why?”

“I can’t be here anymore. I just can’t.”

“Is this about me and Eli?”

“No, Tess. Everything isn’t about you.” Allie glares defiantly. “I need to get out of Lake Falls. I’m going to stay with my parents for a while.”

“Okay, if that’s what you need, we’ll do it. Eli and I can drive you.”

“Yes, we will. But you need to eat something first.” I nod my head toward the plate of food.

“I’m not hungry,” Allie argues, sticking her chin in the air.

“Please, just a little something,” Tess pleads. For such a badass, my girl has a soft heart when it comes to Allie. “Eli is a great cook.”

“Fine. I’ll try, but then I’m leaving.”

“Okay, here,” I say, as I grab the plate and place it in front of her while Tess makes Allie a coffee in a to-go cup.

Allie takes a few bites of eggs and bacon before setting the fork down and rising from the bar. “I’m going to grab the rest of my things,” she says before leaving the room. I can see the worry in Tess’s eyes, and I’m sure they mirror mine.

“Do you think this is the best thing?” Tess asks.

“I think we have to let her try to do this herself. She needs time away.”

A few hours later, we pull into my aunt and uncle’s driveway. I’m still reeling from the possibility that my uncle might be involved in human trafficking and possibly my sister’s death. I don’t want to believe it, and I’m hoping by seeing him, I can uncover the truth.

Aunt Liz comes outside to greet us, throwing her arms around Allie.

“My baby girl, I’m so sorry.” Aunt Liz’s voice wobbles, her eyes bright with unshed tears. “I should’ve been there.”

Allie is stiff at first but relaxes into her mother’s embrace. “Hey, Mom.”

Liz’s eyes meet mine and widen in surprise. “Eli? Honey, it’s been too long since I’ve seen you. Thank you for bringing my baby home and being with her when I couldn’t. Our flight back from Houston was delayed.”

I nod briefly. “Good to see you, Aunt Liz.”

“Come on, sweetheart,” Liz ushers Allie inside. “Your father should be home any minute now.”

She gives a sincere smile to Tess. “It’s good to see you, Tess.”

“You too, Mrs. Walker.”

I grab Allie’s things from the car and follow everyone inside. After sitting them down in the guest room Aunt Liz directed me to, I return and find a spot on the couch next to Tess, casually draping my arm around her.

“Baby, can I get you anything? I made your favorite—chicken and dumplings.”

“I’m not hungry, Mom,” Allie says, despondent .

“Let me at least get you a glass of sweet tea.” Liz jumps up anxiously and heads toward the kitchen. She’s never been one to sit too long, especially when she’s worried or anxious. “I’ll bring some for everyone.”

As soon as my aunt is out of earshot, Allie turns to us. “You made him suffer, right?” Her voice is barely audible.

“Yes. He’ll never be able to hurt anyone else again,” Tessa replies.

“Good,” she whispers. I hear the front door open, and Uncle Alvin rushes in to hug his daughter. “Daddy,” Allie’s voice breaks, her shoulders shaking as her father holds her. “It hurts so bad, daddy.”

“I’m so sorry, my sweet baby girl,” Alvin’s arms tighten around her. “I’ve got you.”

Tess looks at me with sadness in her eyes. I know it’s hard for her to see her friend like this.

“Help yourselves, kids.” Aunt Liz comes out with a tray of iced tea and sets it on the coffee table. She watches her husband and daughter fondly. “She’s always been a daddy’s girl.”

Alvin glances over at us. “Thank you both. For everything.”

“We were happy to help,” I reply stiffly. It’s hard sitting here acting as if nothing’s wrong, all the while wondering if he’s responsible for my sister’s death. I have so many questions sitting on the tip of my tongue, just waiting to spill out, but now isn’t the right time.

Aunt Liz settles into an armchair, her eyes bouncing between Tess and me, a sparkle of interest in her gaze before she focuses back on her daughter. Alvin asks about my mom, and how the construction business is coming along. Allie grows increasingly restless and stands. “I’m really tired. I think I’m gonna lay down for a while.”

Tessa and I stand to hug Allie. “Call me if you need me, cuz. I love you.”

“I love you too, Eli,” she says, sniffling as she pulls out of my embrace and reaches out to Tess.

“Thank you,” she whispers so her parents can’t hear. “Thank you for being there for me. You’ve been the best friend I’ve ever had. I love you to the moon and back.”

“I love you to the moon and back, Alls,” Tess whispers. “Never forget it.”