Page 36

Kameron

“I know, I know.” I say as I hold Elliott in my arms, brushing my fingers through her hair and trying but failing to make her pain go away.

How could I really know though? She just saw her past fall into pieces right in front of her.

She had no clue what was in store for her.

She didn’t realize it wasn't some fairytale past where she was happy, with loving parents who cared about her the way she wanted to be cared for.

There was no protecting mother. No one keeping her safe from the evils of the world.

No, she was just as traumatized in that life as she was in Everton.

And while yes, she was blindsided with the Donovans keeping everything in the dark until her fuck of a brother took over.

At least before looking through those files, she didn’t remember any of it.

She didn’t know any of the fucked up shit the person who was supposed to love her most in the world let her go through.

“You don’t know though.” Her voice cracks as she sits up straight, out of my hold. “You have no clue.”

I keep my mouth shut. She’s right. I have no clue what she is going through. I don’t know how it feels, what her experiences are like.

“I–” She takes a deep shaky breath, her body starting to tremble, “You didn’t feel him.

He didn’t take anything from you.” She pushes my chest with full focus.

Standing up, she turns back and forth on the hardwood floor.

“You didn’t have to dream that your past could undo your present, that it would help you heal.

Only for it to blow up in your face and be exactly the same! ”

I stand with her, grabbing her shoulders to stop her pacing, “Elliott I’m s–”

“Stop!” She shouts, slapping my hands away. “He took everything! They took everything! I never had a chance!” She slams her fists on my chest over and over again, repeating the words. Each hit makes the crack in my soul even deeper.

Her arms slow and her body slugs to the ground.

I stop her fall by gently folding her into me once more.

Her face landing on my chest and the sobs that rack through her are something I know I will never be able to forget.

I rub her arms, her back, not saying anything because there is nothing I can say right now to make this better.

I just want her to know I am here. I will always be right here .

“I’m sorry.” She whispers through gasps of air. “You're just trying to help me and I’m over here yelling at you. What is wrong with me?” Her glossy eyes stare into mine.

“You don’t have to apologize to me, El.” I scoot her closer so she’s basically on my lap. I don’t want her out of my hold. Selfish I know, but I couldn't help it.

“But I do. You aren’t at fault or to blame. I’m just–” Her body deflates even more as I reach for her hand, “I feel everything right now.”

“I can’t even begin to imagine what you are feeling or going through at this moment, but I want you to know I am here.” I scoop her into my arms and inhale her scent, “Right here.”

Her breath catches as she takes in a shaky breath, “Thank you.” She whispers the words into my chest, wrapping her arms around my waist and easing into my embrace in a way that tugs at my heart to keep her here forever.

To ensure she feels this safe every minute of her life.

But in order to give her that comfort and safety, I have to burn Everton to the fucking ground.

And I promise on everything I am, I will make it happen.