Page 123 of Broken Skulls

Slowly, I walk down the stairs.

“Jacob, are you awake?” I ask quietly.

I’m about to head back upstairs when he finally answers.

“Yeah. I’m up.”

“I just wanted to let you know that everything is locked up for the night. I double checked.”

He’s silent for a moment. When he finally speaks, his voice breaks. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Chapter Forty-Eight

Elizabeth

Brody touches my back lightly. “A few of us will be down the road if you need anything.”

“Okay.” I shake my hands out, staring at the basement door.

Brody steps in front of me. “Take a deep breath.” He runs his hands up and down my arms.

I do and instantly feel better for it. “I don’t know why I’m so nervous,” I tell him.

He leans his back against the door. “I bet the minute he feels you next to him, he’ll be putty in your hands.”

It makes me laugh. “I’m glad one of us feels confident about that.”

His smile eases my worries a tiny bit. “I’ve known JD a long time. If you would’ve left, sooner or later, he would have hunted you down.”

Something tells me Brody is right. I roll my shoulders back. “Okay.”

He pats me on the head as he steps away. “Hey, just for my peace of mind, will you text me when you get him out there?” He nods in the direction of the greenhouse.

“I will. It’s the least I can do. I appreciate all of your help, Brody.”

As he reaches in to close the front door, he winks at me. “See you on the flip side.”

I pull my gaze away from where Brody just stood. It trails over the dragonfly on the refrigerator. I can do this.

My fingers tremble as I silently unlock the door to Jacob’s room. When the lock is off, I pat the pocket of my dress to make sure the blindfold is still there. I’ll have to be quick, otherwise he might push me out.

I slip inside, closing the door immediately behind me. I make it to the bed just as he’s scooting off. My knees fall on each side of him, pinning him against the mattress.

His hands wrap around my waist to steady me. He groans my name as if I’m physically hurting him. “Elizabeth. Why are you doing this to me? I’m locked in here for a reason.”

He grunts when I suddenly drop all of my weight on him, wrapping my arms around his neck. I’m not here to argue with him. I just want to be by his side.

I try my hardest to keep my emotions in check. Maybe this was a bad idea. Did I really think a pep talk to myself would be enough to hold it together? My body betrays me, and soon my entire being is wracked with sobs.

“Okay, baby, okay.” He shushes me, and his strong arms wrap around me. His palm rests at the back of my head.

“I missed you,” I sob into the crook of his neck.

His voice cracks. “I’m such a dumbass, Elizabeth.” He sits us up, peppering kisses all over my face. “I missed you so fucking much. Why didn’t you leave?” he rasps.

“You sat with me during my darkest hour. I will always sit with you through yours. Please don’t hide it from me. I’m not afraid of it. It’s a part of you.”

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