Page 7 of Make Me Feel Again

“Rylee, you need to let go, I won’t leave, I promise you,” I whisper into her ear so only she can hear me. She nods, and relief floods me.

I look up at Boh. “Can you call Toni for me please, let her know we are back and ask her to come over. Rylee can’t be on her own tonight.” Tingles race through me at her delicate touch on my arm.

“Please, no,” she whispers. Her teary gaze penetrates me. I want to see the fight back in her eyes again, it’s like the day Jace took his last breath; she looks so defeated. I know how she feels, maybe this is a mirror, this is how everyone sees me. Boh stands there flicking his gaze between Rylee and me.

“You need to tell us what you want, Rylee.” She eyes me and then Boh before a tear falls down her cheek and drips from her face.

“Ca-can you just stay with me, please.” She looks down, as if she’s ashamed, but my heart soars knowing she trusts me to keep her safe.

I nod. “Yeah, okay.” I glance back up at Boh. “Just let Toni know we are back and to come over tomorrow, and I’ll stay here to keep an eye on her.” Boh nods before pulling out his phone and heading out of the room.

“Boh.” I stand and Rylee’s eyes follow me. Like she is scared I will walk out and not come back. “You can go, I’ll call you if I need anything.” His brows draw together as he looks at Rylee again.

“Cash, can I have a quick word out in the hall?” Boh’s eyes gravitate toward Rylee again as I look down. Her eyes are blown wide.

“I will just be outside that door, Rylee. I promise I’m not going anywhere.” Her eyes flick between Boh and me again and then she nods before bringing her knees to her chest and resting her chin on them. I pace over to Boh and stand just on the inside of the door, and Rylee doesn’t take her eyes off me. Where the fuck has our Rylee gone?

“Ca-Cash.” He picks at his fingers. I swing my gaze to him, searching his, trying to work out what’s wrong with him.

“Boh. What is it?” He glances up at me, and defeat stares straight back at me.

“What’s going on with the cops?”

“I told them I would bring Rylee to the station, but I can’t in this state. They can wait until tomorrow.” I glance over at Rylee, who has her face lulled to the side resting on her knees, eyes fixed on me.

“Look at her, Boh.” I don’t take my eyes off her. “She isn’t in a fit state to talk to the cops.”

He huffs.

“What is it?”

“They may have to see her tonight, Cash. They may need to run some tests.” His eyes narrow and his shoulders slouch as if he has the weight of the world on them. Then I realize what he means.

“I swear to fucking God, if he has touched her, I will fucking kill him,” I whisper as close to him as I can.

“I will be right behind you, brother. But we need to ask her.” He grips my shoulder as we walk back into the room.

Chapter seven

Cash

Bohcrouchesinfrontof Rylee and takes her hand while offering her calm, reassuring words. It’s not something I can do. I honestly don’t know how I will cope if he has touched her in any way. One thing is for sure, I will not stop hunting him until I find him, and when I do, I will make sure he suffers in every gruesome way possible. I don’t think I can listen to her telling Boh if he has hurt her or not, but I catch her gaze before I turn away, and her eyes have me rooted to the spot. That one look has me walking toward her and not away.

“Rylee, I need to ask you something.” Boh keeps his eyes on her. I glance down at her, and she stares into my eyes, not looking at Boh once. Her eyebrows draw together, but then her mouth opens slightly and her eyes go wide. She blinks away from me to Boh and shakes her head as a few tears escape her eyes.

“He didn’t.” She takes a deep breath. “He didn’t touch me like that.” Boh’s shoulders drop as his head falls forward, and relief washes over him. I’m relieved too, but no reaction leaves me. Sadness swims in her eyes, breaking my heart.

“We will speak to the cops tomorrow, Boh. Let her rest for tonight.”

“Is that okay with you?” She gives me a sharp nod. Boh leans forward and places a gentle kiss on her head, and a small smile graces her lips as he steps away.

“I’ll be back tomorrow, Ry.”

“Bye, Boh.” He goes to walk away, but she grabs his arm, halting him. “And thank you.” More tears escape her eyes. She lets go and curls into herself on the sofa, as if she is protecting herself.

“Let me know if you need anything.” Boh slaps me on the back and heads for the door. The door shuts, and then silence fills the room. It’s rare I feel awkward, or I’m at a loss for words, but I have no idea what to say or do. I want her to tell me everything, but I need to wait for her to tell me in her own time, although I’ve never been a patient man. I want to tell her everything I found out from Casey.

“Can I get you a drink or something to eat?” I don’t even know if she’s eaten or drunk anything in the last twenty-four hours.

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