Page 95 of Unsteady

A loud laugh from the kitchen rumbles like thunder and she winces.

“I didn’t realize you’d be busy—I mean, god, that sounds so conceited—”

It doesn’t. It soundsgood. Like she thinks she could show up out of the blue and I’d drop everything for time with her, and she’s right. It’s just how our arrangement was before—and still is for me.

I don’t give a shit what’s happening in this house, she’s the first priority I have.

I don’t care if she never wants to touch me again, I won’t leave her alone when it comes to her brothers and whatever is going on with her dad.

“Okay, Gray?”

It slips from my mouth before I even think about it.

Her face crumbles, tears weaving her cheeks and into slightly shuddering sobs—like she’s holding back a complete meltdown.

“Why did you take my brothers to your house?”

My eyes widen. This isn’t what I expected her to be upset about, but if I’ve crossed a line—

“I just took them to get some food,” I whisper, crossing and uncrossing my arms. “Aurora was busy, and I didn’t have anywhere else to take them.” It doesn’t matter how soft and understanding I make my words; I still watch them hit her like a slap.

“You could’ve just called me. I mean, why didn’t you? You didn’t have to be the fucking knight in shining armor—”

She stops, and I can see the anger slip over her skin like a veil. But she looks exhausted, so it’s almost too weak to hide the pain in her eyes when she stares back up at me.

“I was just trying to do the right thing.” I try to get her to understand.

I prepare myself, knowing what’s about to happen.

“Is that an accusation? Am I not doing theright thing?”

“Sadie—”

“You have norightto judge me.”

I’ll take all the anger she needs to give; I’ll be her punching bag if I need to. If it helps. I don’t care, as long as it wipes that despaired, empty look from her eyes.

“I am not some charity case for you and your rich little family to use. We don’t need your help. I can take care of them by myself—I’ve been doing it for years.” The last word is a ragged sob.

The match is lit, fury, dark and coiled releases through my veins as the implication of her words takes root.

For years.It echoes in my head like a pounding war drum.

“You shouldn’t have to. Not alone,” I snap, but my voice doesn’t rise even a notch. “You’re not their parent, Sadie.”

“I am!” she shouts back, and I realize that there is only silence behind me. “For now—I am. I’ll be whatever they need.”

I lower my voice, hoping she’ll follow suit.

“I just wanted your brothers to be safe. And Oliver wanted you to get some rest. Your brothers are worried for you—Oliver probably more than he worries for himself.”

“Stop.”

I step forward, crowding her just slightly towards the door. “Be mad. Yell at me if you want, but it’s not going to stop me from caring, and it’s not going to stop me from trying to help you, no matter how many times you push me away.”

“I—” She lets another shuddering breath out and I wonder if she’s ever felt as helpless with my demons as I do facing her now, worried that any moment is going to devolve into panic.

“I didn’t come here t-to yell at you.” She swipes at her eyes, her chin tilting down. But I catch a glimpse of her resigned features.

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