Page 96 of Pretty Heartache

“You saved me.”

TWENTY-FIVE

I held my breath until the last police officer stepped out of my house.

Having a record and serving two years in prison leaves you with a permanent fear of the police or anyone who has the ability to send you back into a five-by-five cell. Especially when your record will forever tell a lie.

The fear of never being believed will always live within me now.

But with Lennon as my witness, and the security cameras surrounding the house catching Maddox tampering with my generator before the power shut off, the police were easily able to gather a picture of what happened.

Maddox shut off the backup generator knowing that if the power went out, he’d be able to attack. They found his car parked on the street behind mine. It looked exactly like the car I’d seen in the parking garage the night I’d taken Adeline home from Exodus on Ember’s birthday. The feeling that washed over me when they walked out the door after taking our statements and with Maddox in tow was indescribable.

I run my fingers under the heavy stream of water now, making sure it isn’t too hot. While sitting on the edge of the clawfoot bathtub in the spare bathroom, I glance over my shoulder and eye Adeline. She’s leaning against the vanity with her arms crossed, staring at the floor. The cut on her cheek is stitched shut, with a white bandage taped over it. For now, we’re avoiding the bedroom we’ve been sharing the past several weeks, and the bathroom connected to it. Once the tub is filled, I shut off the water and unbutton my shirt. I slip it off and remove my pants. In only my boxer briefs, I cross the room to Adeline.

She hasn’t spoken much since she came home from the hospital. Shock has settled in, and now that the adrenaline has worn off, the world has come crashing down around us.

I still haven’t worked my head around the fact Maddox did this.

For months, I thought Soren posed a threat, but I was wrong.

“Archer caught the soonest flight out of Austria.” My voice breaks the silence in the room. “He should be here by morning.”

“Wha—” Her voice catches in her throat. She clears it, never looking away from the floor. “What about Soren?”

“Archer assured me he paid off his debts and they both mutually agreed to end their business dealings.”

Adeline scoffs, shaking her head. “Hard to believe he would let go of Archer that easily.”

“Agreed.” I blow out a hot breath. The metallic scent of dried blood and wet earth fill my nostrils.

“I’m glad he’s out of that life, though.” Adeline’s bottom split lip quivers. “I hope he means it this time.”

“Come on. Let’s get cleaned up.” Gently, I run my thumb down the side of her face and wrap my hands around the bottom of Adeline’s shirt before lifting it over her head. Dried blood and dirt cover the blue fabric. I peel it away from her body, making sure not to scrape her cuts and abrasions.

I stifle a sharp breath when I see the bruises on her skin. A blue and purple bruise blooms across her ribs, over her flowertattoo. She wraps her arm around herself, covering it. Her brown eyes line with tears, and I want to destroy her pain. I wish I could reach inside and take it away. I see the grief in her expression, what she’s lived through. Adeline isn’t new to abuse, but seeing it up close ripped my soul to shreds.

I kneel in front of her and slide her jeans down her legs. The knees are torn, and mud is caked from her calves down. She allows me to undress her, never uttering a single word.

Once we’re both completely naked, Adeline climbs into the bathtub after me. She sits between my legs and slides into place until her back is pressed against my chest, then she bends her legs and pulls them to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Turning her head, she rests her cheek on her knees, letting me wash her.

I dip her pouf into the soapy bath water and squeeze it over her back, watching the water stream down her spine. A million thoughts run through my mind. I want to say so many things to Adeline. I want to ask her questions. But sometimes, I know there isn’t a need for words. Sometimes silence is all we desire.

I continue to gently wash Adeline’s back, watching the dirt wash away, but the bruises never leave.

“I’m sorry, Micah.” Her whispered apology catches me off guard.

My hand stills on her back. I drop the pouf into the water and press my hand gently against her skin.

“You have nothing to be sorry for,” I tell her, stunned she’s apologizing.

“I do.” She chokes back a sob and lifts her head before she spins around between my legs. She keeps her legs tucked and her arms wrapped around them. Her lip trembles as a tear slips from her beautiful eye. “I should have told you more about Maddox.” She shakes her head and her eyes dart back and forth, as if she’strying to rationalize what’s happened. “I should have been more careful.”

I tilt my head to the side, imploring her to look at me. “Don’t blame yourself.”

Her mouth turns down as she cries, her tears soaking the bandage on her cheek. “I feel so stupid. I feel so stupid for falling for someone like him. And now...” Her voice trails, the words eventually evaporating in the air as she lifts her hand to her cheek. She doesn’t quite reach it, barely ghosting her fingers above the bandage.

“Addy,” I say, scooting closer. I wrap my arms around her and hold her. “This isn’t your fault. You couldn’t have known he would do this. And we’ll get through it. You’re strong.”

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