Page 30 of Guarded from Danger

I hope.

As I move towards the largest group of shrubs, I pitch my voice low as I say, “Luce. Are you out here? It’s okay. You’re safe.”

She’s not there. And she’s not at the second cluster, either.

But at the third, I see her.

Wedged between two bushes, she’s huddled in a ball, shaking all over.

My legs go weak with relief.

Approaching slowly, I croon, “Luce, sweetheart. It’s Xavier. I’m here. It’s okay. You’re safe.”

It takes a couple of tries before she cautiously lifts her head to look at me. She blinks, and fresh tears spill down her cheeks. Chin wobbling, she says in an achingly tiny voice, “Xavier. I think I messed up.”

Oh.

My heart.

Crouching in front of her, I push the branches aside to get a clear view. Several scratches on her face are sluggishly bleeding, no doubt from her frantic scramble to find cover between the shrubs. “Oh, no, Luce. You didn’t.”

“I didn’t realize,” she starts. “I was at the apartment. And then… I don’t know.”

“It’s okay,” I soothe. “We’ll figure it out. Can I help you out of there?”

After a brief pause, Lucy nods. As I carefully help her out from the bushes, she whispers, “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to worry you.”

I sit down on the grass and pull her into my lap, cuddling her still-trembling body to my chest. “Don’t apologize. It’s okay.” Pressing my lips to the top of her head, I take a moment to breathe in her soft vanilla scent, another reassurance that she’s okay. That I didn’t lose her again.

Lucy tucks her head under my chin and says quietly, “I went to look for more dryer sheets. In the closet. And I… I bumped the light switch. When the light went out… I panicked. I thought I was back there again.” She peers up at me with watery eyes. “I’m sorry, Xavier.”

With one hand, I rub slow circles on her back; and with the other, I thumb her tears away. “You had a flashback. There’s nothing to be sorry about. I just wish I’d been there to help you.”

“I thought I’d be okay by myself.” Her teeth worry her lower lip. “I should be able to be alone by now.”

“There’s no timeline. You went through something traumatic. Even if your body is healed, your mind needs more time.”

In the distance, I hear Niall calling out, “Xav found her. Lucy’s okay.”

“Oh, Xavier. I worried everyone.” Guilt washes across her delicate features. “I’m?—”

“No, Luce.” I stand up, lifting her into my arms. “Do not be sorry. They were worried because they care about you. And they’re glad you’re okay.”

“I just wish—” She sniffles. “I just want to be normal again.”

Hugging her close, I brush a gentle kiss across her salty lips. “You’re just fine. And I?—”

Shit. I almost said I love her.

Not that it’s bad. But this is the worst possible time to say it.

Holding her gaze, I say, “You are perfect to me, Lucy. Just as you are. And whatever you need, I’m there for you. I willalwayshave your six.”

CHAPTER NINE

LUCY

By the time I get out of the shower, I’m feeling much better.

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