Page 34 of Keep Me Safe

“Kira, it’s me, Noah,” I try to assure her.

Her eyes snap open, and she sucks in a breath. She lets out a sob and looks up at me, fear in her eyes. Pulling her into me, I hold her. She tucks herself as far into my arms as she can.

“It’s okay, I’m here.”

She’s shaking. And I can feel her heart racing. Moving one hand to her back, I run my fingers over it.

“You’re safe, princess. I’ve got you.”

Her head tilts up, eyes meeting mine. They’re red and swollen.I bring my thumb to her cheek, wiping away the tears.

“You don’t have to talk to me if you don’t want to. Just know that I’m here.”

She nods, more tears streaming down her cheeks. I lace my fingers into her hair, guiding her head to my chest, resting my chin there.

Who did this to her?

If I find out that someone hurt her, I’ll end them. The fear in her eyes was so visceral it killed me.

I hug her tighter to me. She feels so fragile in my arms.

“Will you stay?” she whispers so quietly I almost don’t hear.

I shouldn’t, but I can’t leave her like this. She needs me.

“Of course.”

She moves to lay back down, and I help cover her with the blankets. Standing up, I sit on the bench seat by the window. I’ll stay, but I don’t think I can lay there with her.

“What are you doing?” She asks, amused.

“Staying.”

“Why are you over there?”

“I think you know why.”

“Noah, come lay down. I promise I won’t do anything bad.”

It’s not her I’m worried about. I like to think I have control over my own actions, but it’s difficult when she’s that close to me.

“Please,” she whines.

God, I can never say no to her.

Rising to my feet, I stalk over to the bed and climb under the covers beside her. I make sure to keep some distance betweenus, careful not to touch her. She rolls her eyes and laughs at me, turning away.

“Thank you.”

Surprisingly, it doesn’t take her long to fall back asleep. I glance over at her, now lying on her back. The fear from earlier is gone, replaced by a gentle calmness. I’m glad I was here for her, but I can’t stop thinking about what could have happened to her for her to be that scared.

Without warning, she rolls, laying her head on my chest, her leg sliding over me. I suck in a breath. I hate how much I want this. I should leave now. She’s asleep. Instead, I give in, just for tonight. Wrapping my arm around her, I pull her closer.

I wake up to the sun shining in through the window. It

takes a moment before I realize these aren’t my sheets. This isn’t my room.Shit. Glancing down, Kira has wrapped her body around me, and my hand is on her almost bare ass.

Memories of last night flood my mind. Kira had a nightmare and asked me to stay. I was stupid and did. Now, I’m holding her like she’s way more than my kid’s best friend. Carefully, I slide out from under her, trying not to wake her up.

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