Page 106 of Under Your Scars

“You look like you’re going to be sick.”

“And here I was thinking I was beautiful,” I say, crossing my arms over my chest. I’m embarrassed. Is it really that obvious that I’m struggling to come to terms with normal human emotions again?

“Youarebeautiful,” he says without hesitation. “So beautiful it hurts.”

I shrug. “I was just going to the kitchen for a snack and heard the music.” I cautiously take a step towards him.

I had almost forgotten that he carved my name into his chest. I reach out a hand to trace over the letters and then grab one of his arms to look at the healing wounds there.

“Do they hurt?” I ask.

“Not enough.”

His honesty feels like a dagger in the heart. My eyes snap up to his. He looks completely nonchalant about it, meanwhile I’m sure I look horrifically disturbed.

“Before me...when was the last time you did this?”

He thinks for a second. “I was in my mid-twenties. I can’t remember. It’s been a solid ten years or so,” he answers, and then quickly adds, “Don’t you dare blame yourself.”

I let his arm go and it falls to his side. “I’ll let you get back to it. I’m sorry if I bothered you.”

“You could never bother me.”

My eyes trace down his body from head to toe. I don’t understand how it’s possible for a man to be so huge. He’s literally Hercules. His shoulder to waist ratio is insane. He’s got that kind of build that’s tanky, but not necessarily super lean and shredded. He’s got a healthy, strong body, built for sheer power rather than aesthetics.

“I never told you this, but you’re hot.”

He laughs. “Thanks for noticing.”

I give him a half-hearted smile. “This is going to sound really out of place considering everything we’ve been through, but…do you want to come to Texas to spend Thanksgiving with my family? I know we’re in a weird place in our relationship, but it would make me happy if you came with me.”

“I’ll come. Am I even invited though?”

“Why wouldn’t you be?”

“Because last time I saw your father he was very clear that he didn’t like me.”

I think back to how furious they had both been when they came back inside after talking in the backyard. That feels like a lifetime ago. “You’re invited because I want you to be there. My dad will get over it.”

“He told me to break up with you, and practically cursed my family name. He said he doesn’t want a Reeves involved with his family again.”

“Again?” I ask in confusion. “Well, you did say that our dads knew each other, right? Maybe they didn’t get along. My dad is dramatic. He will take a grudge to the grave.”

He takes a deep breath and nods. “I’ll have the jet ready to fly us to Texas on Thursday morning.”

This time, when I smile, it’s real. It’s genuine. I’m happy Christian is coming. I internally laugh at myself.

I’m happy that a serial killer is coming to my family home.

There is something seriously wrong with me.

I cross my arms over my chest. “Have you been looking for Frank?”

He nods. “Every night.” He takes a deep breath, already anticipating my next question. “I haven’t found him. It’s like he’s vanished. I’m sorry. The longer he’s out there, the more he haunts you. The sooner I find him, the sooner we can put this chapter behind us. Iwillmake you feel safe again. I promise.”

CHAPTER 30

THE ANGEL