Page 37 of Guarded from Treachery

Oh.

“Isla.” Screw propriety. I catch her hand in mine, threading my fingers between hers. “I’m sorry. That really sucks.”

“It’s okay. I got used to it.”

Being used to neglectful behavior and it being okay are two different things. That’s something I know from personal experience.

And it’s why I find myself sharing something I’ve never told anyone before.

“My parents were pretty shit, too.” Isla’s hand tightens around mine as I continue, “They weren’t abusive, not physically, at least. But they weren’t interested in being parents. I’m not sure why they had me and my brother, really. They never said.”

“Oh, Matt. I’m sorry.”

“No, it’s okay.” But as she looks at me, I concede, “Well. It wasn’tokay. My parents were always gone, they’d go out drinking on the weeknights and just take off on the weekends. From when I was ten and they considered me old enough to watch Levi, my younger brother, they would just leave us alone. For hours. Days, sometimes.”

“Matt.”

“That’s why I knew what to do. When you were sick. Because I used to take care of Levi. He’s four years younger than me, so he couldn’t do it on his own.”

“That’s awful.” Isla scoots closer to me so our legs are touching. Tiny lines form across her forehead. “I’m so sorry.”

“It taught me to be independent. Like you said your parents did. So it’s not entirely a bad thing. And it’s why I went into the Army, which turned out to be a great decision. Not only did I find a career that meant something—that does mean something—but I also found a team that became like family.”

“Did you enlist right out of high school?”

“I did. I could have gone to college, but after talking to the recruiting officer, joining the Army just felt right. I liked the idea of stability. Structure. And the officer, he used to be a Green Beret, too. When he told me about his team, and the missions he went on, I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

“And now you’re here. Working for Blade and Arrow. With some of your old teammates, right?”

“Right. Erik and Dante were on my team. Niall, Xavier, and Rhi were on a different team, but they trained with us. So I’ve known them for years. And now, working together, it really is like a family. Living together, helping each other out…”

Isla grins. “And playing pranks on them?”

“That too.”

For a few seconds, she just looks at me. Then she says, “I’m sorry your parents were so awful, Matt.”

My heart twists. “I’m sorry your parents were awful, too.”

Silence falls between us, but it’s not an uncomfortable one. It’s one of silent comfort.

And then.

She leans forward and hugs me.

The scent of her floral shampoo wafts past my nose as the top of her head brushes my chin. Her soft curves press against my chest as she gives me some of her weight. And as my arms come around her, she sighs, her breath feathering across my neck.

Nothing has ever felt this perfect.

“I’m glad you have your team,” she whispers. “But if you ever need anyone else to have your back, you have me.”

Oh.

My heart.

“Isla.” It’s rough with emotion. “I’ll always be there for you, too.”

9

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