Page 75 of Broken Skulls

My eyes close, and my head falls back as I savor the spices. “Fuck. Baby, it’s so good.”

She claps, sitting down beside me. “I’m going to have to find a way to thank Jesse.”

“Maybe you can help her with the cooking tomorrow. Everyone will be heading over to the warehouse after the run.”

She takes a bite, and her palm comes up to cover her mouth. “Oh shit, it’s hot.”

I push her water closer to her. “The spicier the better.”

She waves her hands over her face. “I’m used to the bland shit they gave me at the home.”

“I don’t know how you lasted there so long.”

Fuck, I don’t know why I said that.

“I wasn’t there. I was up here.” She taps a finger over her temple. “Disassociation at its most extreme.”

“Is it hard to be present now?”

“No. I think Kelsie broke me.” She laughs lightly. “I haven’t been able to slip away since she wrapped that necklace around my neck.”

I lean back in my chair. “Her fucking mom did the same shit to me.”

Her big brown eyes focus on me intently. “You disassociated?”

“You probably couldn’t classify it as that. I didn’t hide in my mind. I hid out here in the junkyard.” I laugh.

Elizabeth curls her legs under her, settling in her chair. “I can tell Lily’s protective of you.”

There’s no jealousy behind her statement.

“She saw my soul.”

“I felt the same with Kelsie.”

“She’s adopted, you know. They aren’t even related by blood.”

“She told me. It’s crazy because they have the same mannerisms.”

I lean forward. “Keep that in mind the next time you’re stressing about your daughter being like him. You said her adoptive parents were good, right?”

Tears pool in her eyes, and she nods. “I read hundreds of files looking for the perfect couple.”

“Then I’m sure they raised her up right.”

She trails her fork over her plate, thinking about what we’ve discussed.

We’re quiet for the rest of the meal. I guess both of us are used to it being that way … and that’s okay. I’m not one for small talk, and I know she’s processing a lot.

“Thank you for cooking tonight. It really was nice having a home cooked meal that I didn’t have to make. I’ll take care of the cleanup. Why don’t you go relax.” I stand, taking her plate from her. “The remote is on the coffee table.” I motion toward the living room with my head, my arms full of dishes.

A few minutes later, she’s standing by my side.

“Couldn’t find anything good to watch?”

Her fingers wrap around a dish cloth. “I … I’d rather be here.”

I chuckle, a bit confused. “In the kitchen?”

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