Page 42 of Myla: The Hawthornes

“Well then,” Ashley murmured faintly.

She said something else, but I didn’t hear her because my attention was caught by the sight of a familiar face appearing as the double doors at the end of the room slowly swung open. I hadn’t realized how anxious I was to see that Cian was okay until he stepped through the doors. His hair was a mess, and his eyes were bloodshot.

I was on my feet before anyone else had even noticed him. Cian’s steps faltered the minute he saw us sitting there with his aunt, but as soon as he realized I was headed his way, he hurried toward me. We practically collided, his arms wrapping tightly around my waist as mine went around his neck.

The familiar scent of Cian’s skin calmed every anxiety I had.

“You okay?”

“What the hell are you doin’ here?” he asked at the same time.

“Where the hell else would I be?” I answered.

“I’m fine.”

“You don’t look fine.”

“Just tired.”

“You look worried.”

“I am worried.”

“I’m so sorry.”

“Why areyousorry?”

“I’m sorry you’re dealing with this.”

“Yeah, me too, baby. I can’t believe you’re here.”

“We left right after you talked to Bas.”

“Shoulda fuckin’ known,” Cian muttered into my hair. “Can’t keep his fuckin’ mouth shut.”

“He was sitting on my couch when you talked to him.”

“Figures,” Cian huffed.

I pressed my forehead against the underside of his jaw, the beard there tickling my skin as I brushed my thumb through the hair at the nape of his neck. I wanted to apologize, but I was too afraid to bring up the last argument we’d had.

“We’re good, My,” he murmured, reading my mind. He kissed the side of my head. “Yeah?”

“Yeah,” I breathed.

I let go of him so he could greet everyone else but stayed close.

“You coulda said somethin’,” Cian told Bas.

“Surprise,” Bas joked. “How’s Richie?”

“Still out,” Cian said roughly. “They’ve been keepin’ him pretty doped up, but they’re not sure why he’s not awake. They’re gonna see if they can get him conscious tomorrow.”

“Damn.”

“Thanks for comin’,” Cian told the group, hugging the girls and doing the weird handshake-hug thing that guys did. “You didn’t have to come all the way out here.”

“Family,” Gray said simply.

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