Page 74 of Broken Skulls

“Don’t feel guilty for doing what’s best for you. You don’t owe anyone anything.”

She nods and then goes back to her task.

I’m not sure she believes me, but it’s a start. She stood up for her own needs, and that is huge. I’ll have to remember to thank Jesse.

“So, I was thinking maybe this weekend we could go over to Dan and Lily’s. They have a shooting range on their property. Would you like to learn?”

Elizabeth is quiet as she thinks about it. “Do you think I need to learn?”

I shake my head as she leans around me to set the table. “I don’t think you need to. I was just asking if you’d like to.”

She sits down beside me. “I think I would like to try it.”

“If you don’t like it, I want you to tell me. No secrets. Okay?”

Her shy smile gets me every time. “It’s weird.”

“What’s weird?”

“Not having any secrets. Well, at least from you. I guess I’m still keeping one from the rest of the world.” She folds her hands in her lap as a frown slowly forms on her beautiful face.

“Hey, she’s okay. He was just trying to worm his way into your mind.”

She nods, but I can tell she’s not as confident as I am. The oven dings, and she jumps up to pull out whatever she’s making.

“I should have known he knew. It was stupid of me to think I was ahead of him, or that he let me go so easily.” She pulls out a pan and sets it on top of the stove. “What if he was right? What if she’s like him?”

I go to her, wrapping my arms around her waist. “She’s not like him. No way. I bet she’s got a lot of her mother in her.”

She huffs like that isn’t much better.

“Hey. You are strong, smart, compassionate, loyal, and sweet.”

This makes her let out an unhappy chuckle. “No one but you would describe me that way.”

“I’m the only one you’ve let in.”

Her head falls back against my chest, and I know I’m finally getting through to her.

“I think you’re starting to let Jesse in too, and the more you open up to people, the more comfortable you’re going to be being yourself again. Lizzie died with that evil piece of shit. You’re Elizabeth.”

“I don’t even know who she is.”

I laugh. “No one knows who they are. We’re all on a journey to find ourselves, so don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Right now, you’re a woman who cooked a delicious meal for her man.”

“My man?”

“You better believe it.” I tap her on the butt lightly, ready for lighter conversation.

It makes her laugh. “You don’t even know if my cooking is any good.”

“I’m pretty sure it will taste as good as it smells.” I sit back down at the table.

My gaze follows her as she busies herself around my kitchen. I sip my beer. I’m the luckiest motherfucker in the world.

Elizabeth leans against me as she loads my plate with food. I wrap my hand around her thigh, pinning her there as I take the first bite.

“Jesse said enchiladas and rice were your favorite. I hope I did it right.”

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