Page 96 of The Lies We Tell Ourselves

“But he’s been napping all day!” Jessie grumbled as Dil set her on the ground. Aunt Clara pulled my little sunbeam into her side. “He’s fine, right?”

“He will be, little lady, but Jamie still needs lots of rest and time to heal. So how about we head home and get the house ready for when he can leave?”

“Yay!” She squealed and clapped her hands. “Can we decorate his room too?” Aunt Clara cast me a worried glance, and her lips thinned.

“Of course, you can. Just don’t make it too bright because I don’t have any shades.” Jessie chuckled and dragged Zack and Aunt Clara to the door, telling them what they needed to buy.

“She doesn’t have an off switch, does she?” Uncle Daire said, smirking. “Glad you’re out of the woods, Jamie. I was really worried I wouldn’t get there in time.”

“But you did, right? Or I wouldn’t?—”

“Don’t!” Dillon barked. I opened my mouth, but he covered it and shot me a warning glare. “I said don’t, little crow.” Effectively silenced, I nodded.

Uncle Daire slapped Dil on the shoulder. “You’ve got a good one here, Jamie. Let him tell you what happened. Just know it’s not me you need to be thanking, he’s the real hero.”

Nerves swarmed inside me like locusts. “Will h-he ever…” I couldn’t force the words out, even if it was imperative that I knew if I would be spending the rest of my life looking over my shoulder.

Understanding dawned on Uncle Daire’s face. “No one leaves hell once they enter, Jamie. He’s never coming back, and he will never hurt anyone you love again. He’s gone.”

I grabbed his hand and pulled him in for a hug—our first one ever—and held him tightly. I’d resented him, hated him, and feared him, but he’d done everything he could to keep me and my mom safe. “Thank you. I-I don’t know…”

“You don’t have to say anything, Jamie.” His large hand cupped my face in a tender gesture that made my throat feel thick. “You’re family, and I’ll do anything to protect mine. Let me know when you’re home, and when Jessie decides our Christmas will be, and I’ll see you then. But if you need me, my number is now in your proper phone.”

“Thanks, Uncle Daire.” He waved goodbye, and it was just Dillon and I left, holding hands in the silence that remained.

“When I get home…” I licked my lips as my eyes roved over the tight Henley hugging his chest. I could see the visceral reaction his body had to mine.

“Nope. Don’t you dare!” He slapped his hand over my mouth to silence me. “When we’re home, we’ll talk about things like that. Until then, any S. E. X. talk is banned, so we don’t face a nuclear meltdown. Understand?”

“Yes, sir.”

Dil threw his head back and groaned as his pants tightened, making me snicker. “I need to take a long walk, you little shit. Doctor Aimes will be here in a second to talk you through everything.”

“But…”

“I’ll bring you back another latte.” He kissed my lips and slipped out the door just as a short raven-haired lady came in with a gentle smile on her face.

I was up early and dressed before breakfast was served. After nearly four weeks in the hospital, I was ready to get out of here. I was both excited and terrified about going home. Well, back to Aunt Clara’s. I was looking forward to not spending another night on the itchy hospital bed but feared not being able to cope with the pain, brain fog, and bouts of patchy memory I still suffered with. Doctor Aimes said it was still early days, and with time, I should regain my full memory. Although after Dillon explained what happened the night he rescued me, the state I was in, and what he did for me, I’m not sure I want to remember.

Sheila chuckled as she walked in with my oatmeal and fruit. “Release day, is it?”

“It sure is, and it can’t come soon enough.” I beamed as she set it down on the table and wheeled it over the bed for me.

“How’s the pain, Jamie?”

“It’s alright,” I said, opening the pot and pouring the small sachet of honey on top of the oatmeal, making sure to keep my eyes trained on my hands.

“Sure it is, young man.” My shoulders slumped and she laughed again. “Broken ribs and a serious concussion are no joke, especially when you had to be placed in a medically-induced coma.”

“I know, I know. I just hate the way they make me all sleepy, y’know?”

“I do, Jamie, but that man of yours sure loves you all sleepy and snuggly.”

The door opened at that exact moment, and Dillon snickered. “I sure do.” He walked around Sheila and took the seat next to the bed while I shoveled food in my mouth and prayed they weren’t going to pick on me anymore.

“I’ll leave these here for you, Jamie.” I rolled my eyes and smiled at Sheila as she waved goodbye and left me to Dillon’s scrutinizing attention. I glared at him and continued to eat until he turned away and started flicking through the channels on the TV. Elise and Chad’s photo flashed across the screen, and Dillon’s shoulders stiffened before he changed the channel. They both made it through surgery and were promptly arrested for kidnapping and assault once they were in recovery. At least I wouldn’t have to see them when I returned to Briar U. Stevens was also expelled due to the part he played in my bullying and the sexgate scandal with Chad. We could thank Taylor for that development.

“It’s going to be okay, little crow. I promise.”

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