Page 68 of Broken

“You want more than you’re telling me. More than you want to say out loud.”

“I wasn’t lying before. I mean you no danger.”

“No,” I agree. “You don’t.”

Thatwas the only reason I allowed her to stay.

After catching her touching herself, after her seeing me during a night terror… well, it changes things.

“Were you really feeling ill earlier? Or were you lying?”

“I told you, I won’t lie to you. I was feeling...” She hesitates, and for a second, I think she’s going to get creative. Instead, she sighs the word: “Fragile.”

I repeat it in my head, frowning over it for a second. “Fragile?”

She rubs her temple with her free hand. “Yes. I pushed it today. I’m supposed to nap and take cabs instead of walking places.”

My eyes narrow as I read between the lines. “Why did you discharge yourself early?”

“My parents returned home to New Mexico to clear up their house because it had sold. I knew if I didn’t leave then, they’d never let me out of their sight.”

Whatever I’d expected her to say, it wasn’t that.

“They know where you are, don’t they?”

She shrugs. “I send them texts. I tell them I’m fine.”

“How kind of you,” I say dryly, but even so, I’m taken aback. “Why are you obsessed with me?” When she furrows her brow at that, I repeat, “I don’t think you’re a danger to me?—”

“Good.” She rolls her eyes. “Because I’m not.”

“But why are you here? What about me is so special that I’ve gained your attention?”

I’m not sure she’ll answer, and because I know she responds to sharp, stern commands, I’m about to break out that voice, but she mutters, “Your story connects with mine.”

“Explain.”

She purses her lips. “I’ll explain if you tell me what happened to you too.”

I’d prefer to dance in sulfuric acid than share that particular story, but she’s right. She doesn’t have to tell me anything. Not unless I’m willing to open up to her.

I know I could toss her out, know that I’d be able to discredit every word she could say to the police about Paolo, but something about her... I don’t feel as alone when she’s here.

And I’m not talking physically.

I’ve shared the house before. I still felt isolated.

She tears through that haze, and I have no idea why.

“I’ll tell you what I can bear to share.”

My qualification seems to appease her because she grabs some of the covers off me and nestles them around herself like she’s getting ready for a long story time.

The gesture amuses me.

Even while there are many childlike nuances in her repertoire, she’s the most sensual creature I’ve ever known.

She’s so at ease with her body that I don’t think I’ve met a temptation more powerful than the one she offers without even really offering it. She exudes it, and because I’m so close, all I want?—

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