Page 59 of Die for You

He’s not smashing anything. Or taking anything. He keeps his hands tucked in the pocket of his hoodie while his head moves on a swivel. He’s searching.

For me.

Chapter 17

Aurora

After we callthe police from the Sigma Chi party, my hands are still shaking. “That offer to live with you...is that still an option?”

I can’t believe I’m actually taking them up on their offer to move in with them, but I don’t have much of a choice. I knew it would only be a matter of time before Jeremiah found my new address, and clearly, he’s not above breaking in to get to me. I can’t keep living there, especially alone.

Damien’s brows bend low over his dark eyes. “No.”

My heart drops to my feet. They’ve changed their minds. Now that they’ve gotten what they wanted?—

“It’s mandatory. You’re moving in with us, angel. It’s not optional anymore.”

Overwhelming relief floods through me, and I throw my arms around him. He pulls me close, the cologne from his shirt enveloping me, his body still hot and heart thrumming from what has turned out to be the best and worst night of my life.

When I pull back, I tuck my arms close and survey the Devils. Tall and gigantic and gorgeous and so much better than I deserve. “I don’t want to bring my drama to your doorstep.”

“This isn’t drama.” Knox steps closer, catching my chin. “You’re in danger, Rory. And we’re going to do whatever we can to protect you.”

Finally, I turn to Finn. The silent shadow always looming nearby. His black hair is mussed, and I can’t wait to see what it’ll look like after a truly wild night together.

But right now, the intensity in his blue eyes makes me gulp.

You’re coming with us, he signs.And we’re not letting you go. You’re ours now, Aurora. Don’t forget that.

I nod, and the Devils secure their masks in place and escort me from the room like bodyguards. Or feral dogs.

We sit in silence on the way back to the Devils’ house, Finn holding my hand in the backseat. I can’t believe how quickly I’ve already become comfortable with the Devils. Somehow, I’m completely at ease alone in the car with all three of them. Just as I was completely at ease with them alone at the Sigma Chi party. I can’t remember the last time I was this comfortable with anyone.

With Jeremiah, I was always on edge, walking on eggshells to avoid setting him off. But I don’t worry about that for a second with the Devils. I don’t worry about pissing them off by saying the wrong thing. I don’t worry about violent outbursts or their bad moods.

Maybe this is what safety feels like.

“We’re home,” Damien announces from the driver’s seat.

Home. When was the last time anywhere in the world felt like home? Not the apartment that felt like a temporary hideout from Jeremiah until he eventually, inevitably tracked me down. Not his house that he let me live in with him, subsidized by his parents and without a trace of me to be found within its walls. Not any of my foster homes.

The last time anywhere felt like home was when my parents were alive. Now, the only time I find even a shred of that feeling is when my violin is in my hands. My final tether to my parents.

But the townhouse in front of me—with its red and black memorabilia hanging on the door and in the windows to mark its residents as the best of the Diamond Devils hockey players—has potential. Like even if it doesn’t feel like home right now, it could someday. Because this is where the Devils live, and wherever they are is where I feel safe.

I blink away the tears. Thank god I was there the night of the accident. The world would be a much worse place without them in it, and I...I might not have survived without them.

Finn must mistake my tears for fear because he squeezes my hand. All three of them have ditched their masks now, and Finn’s brilliant blue eyes are lined with concern.You’re safe with us.

I nod.I know.

I’ve never felt safer than when I’m with them.

Hopefully, the police will get to the apartment soon, if they haven’t already. Best case scenario, they’ll catch Jeremiah in the act. Cuff him, arrest him, press charges. Not only for breaking and entering, but for violating a restraining order. Whatever punishment they give him won’t be enough, though; I already know that. At most, he’ll probably get a few months of jail time, but knowing his parents, they’ll bribe the right people so he walks away with no more than a probation sentence.

Worst case scenario, they’ll miss him. He’ll get away with it. Even with a restraining order, he hid his face with his hoodie. Impossible to clearly identify him. It won’t be enough evidence to press charges, let alone get him locked up.

If I didn’t have the Devils, I don’t know where I’d go.