Page 52 of Heavy

“Oooold,” I joke, which gets a giggle from her. “Twenty-seven.”

“Soooold,” she mimics, and it’s my turn to laugh. As I take another sip of water, she asks boldly. “Are you Daddy’s girlfriend?” She leans against the table, her elbows digging into its surface, chin resting in her palms.

“Who’s your dad?” Not that I need to get clarification, I’m no one’s girlfriend here, but I’m curious at the very least.

She points over my shoulder, and I turn to see Ken looking for something in the empty living room. When I look at her, she’s got a very cheeky smile.

“No, I’m not.”

“Then who?”

“I’m no one’s girlfriend, Mia. Just… a friend.”

Her eyes narrow, and I already know this girl has seen alot. She can read me, or this situation. How can a child be giving me a look of weariness. “You got Daddy and the family running around like chickens with their heads cut off. A lot for a friend.”

My lips part to speak but a loud bang makes me jump. The front door is flying open, the sound of a helmet dropping.

It’s when I hear Ronan call for me. “Cal?!”

I’m slowly moving from my seat and coming to a stand.

“Uncle Ro-Ro!” Mia shrieks.

Her calling him has his head turning in our direction, and nerves return at how angry he looks. He’s a lion caged, and finally let loose, now looking for the men that captured him in the first place. I don’t take my eyes off of him, and although it feels like time doesn’t exist, he doesn’t pause.

Even as Ken tries to stop him, he brushes past and heads straight for me. My hands instinctively reach out, hoping he will grab for me and allow me to hold him back. I’m craving that comfort from him more than anything.

But I know better, and just as he is in arms reach, I pull back on instinct. He doesn’t hesitate to grab me, because it’s okay thathecan touch me. I just can’t touchhim.

His hands cup my face, turning me side to side. “Are you alright?” His voice carries concern, but beneath it, there’s a simmering rage. I’m not sure who it’s aimed at, but even if it’s me, I don’t care, because finally I'm safe.

I nod, just as he tilts my head up to have our eyes meet.

“Use your words, Cal. Are you okay?”

“Y-Yes. I’m alright, thank you for coming.” My eyes flick between his, and I quickly bite on my cheek to stop myself from shaking. “Thank you for sending me here…” I lean into his hands, silently hoping he’ll close the gap between us and let me rest against him.

His chest expands, and when he glances down between us, I shove my hands behind my back. His head tilts slightly up as a heavy, worn sigh escapes him. He places a hand behind my neck, pulling my forehead to his chest.

His heart is racing—no, it's thrashing, like it's trying to break free.

“Thank you…” I murmur and sink into this moment.

It feels as if I’ve just finished a good, long cry. I remember how it felt years ago, and the relief that followed. My body feels lighter, my mind quieter, and the emotions that nearly overwhelmed me on the way here are fading. A calmness washes over me, as if every bit of tension inside me has been swept away. It’s a strange mix of exhaustion and peace, one that makes me never want to escape, not while I’m here.

I’d fallen into such a place of peace I hadn’t recognized his opposite hand had snaked under my arm and was resting at the small of my back. He has me closer than we have ever been, and I want so badly to return this feeling of care he is offering me.

I won’t, because I don’t want him to letmego.

After a long moment of silence, he finally says, “No need to thank me.” His head rests against mine. “I’ll always answer when you call…”

My heart jumps and butterflies kick box in my stomach.

I swear he is going to say more, but instead, our moment is broken by Mia’s sweet voice. “Uncle Ro-Ro? You didn’t even say hi to me…”

A soft laugh that I can just tell is forced brushes against my cheek as he pulls away from me. He looks down at Mia with a genuine smile.

“Hey, sprite.”