Page 90 of Until We Break

Caleb scowled. “Like hell.”

Those two little words felt protective and safe. He didn’t say them as if he was a jealous boyfriend, but he had my back. He was on my side. Someone understood and wanted to keep me safe.

I leaned my forehead on his shoulder and cried. “Thank you.” His arms enveloped me.

“There’s no way that’s happening. You know that?” He tipped my chin upward to meet his gaze. “This is home now.”

I nodded. “I know. He just pushed every emotional button about my dead’s death and I guess my mom’s too.” I closed my eyes. “I don’t have parents anymore, Caleb. I feel untethered in a way most people don’t.”

“Ethan sees it. He knows it and he’s trying to take advantage of it. Sorry to hear about his dad. But this is fucked up.”

I took a big breath. Caleb was right. Ethan was desperate. He was in pain. I couldn’t ignore that or accuse him of acting. It didn’t excuse that he preyed on my deepest weakness. It was what Ethan was best at doing.

I pulled my knees to my chest when Caleb moved beside me on the couch.

“What else can I do?” he asked.

I smiled softly. “Nothing. You didn’t leave.”

“There was no way I was going to leave you like this.” He stroked my hair.

“I would have understood if you didn’t want to deal with it.”

His eyes moved toward the ceiling. “Let’s see…bail on you while you’re sick and crying or stay and help you through it?”

I elbowed him in the side. “You make it sound like it was an easy choice.” There was nothing easy about the way he found me.

“It was the easiest decision I’ve made, Margot.”

“I’m glad you did. Really. Even when I told you to go.”

His arm circled my shower. I felt the tension in my muscles start to relax. I was left with exhaustion.

“How does a hot shower sound?”

“I could use one.”

“I’ll figure out dinner while you take a shower.”

“Thank you.” My stomach grumbled. I was also hungry.

“We’ll do the grilled fish another night.”

“Will your dad be upset?” I gathered the blanket around my shoulders and pushed off the couch.

He chuckled. “He’ll never know we didn’t grill tonight. Don’t worry about my dad. Want me to start the shower for you?”

“I’ve got it.” I stopped before turning for the staircase. “Caleb?”

“Yeah?”

“Thank you. For all of it.”

He winked. That’s all I needed to find my footing on the stairs.

FORTY-TWO

Caleb

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