Page 20 of Property of Camo

He frowns, staring at me. “You got hurt, too?”

“I did, but I got out and I met my friends. You will get through this, Aston. I promise you that.” I know that I shouldnot promise him, but fuck, this kid needs a lucky break, and I will help him in any way.

He takes the clothes from me, and I direct him to the ground floor bathroom to change.

After working with kids his age for some years now, I kind of know what they like to eat, so I walk into my kitchen before looking into the refrigerator and cupboards to see what I can make him.

Before I can pull together a meal, Aston steps into the kitchen and I see that he has cleaned the blood from his face.

“You hungry?”

“Yeah.” He slowly sits at the table.

“What do you like? If I do not have it here, I can order in.” His eyes widen at the thought of me ordering takeout.

He looks down sheepishly, his fingers knotted together in his lap. I let him have a moment, and pull out a can of soda for him and one for me, before joining him at the table.

He looks up at me, and I hate seeing the uncertainty there.

“I went to a sleepover at a friend’s house for his birthday. His mom was really nice and she ordered us pizza.” I smile at his words.

“Okay, we can order some pizza. What kind of toppings do you want? Your choice.”

He gives me a smile and it melts my heart.

“Pepperoni and lots of cheese.”

“Done.” I place the order and we sit and talk while waiting for it to arrive.

When he goes to the restroom, I send a text to my people, letting them know what has happened tonight. Clark offers to come here to bond with him, man-to-man, and I love him for that but tell him to hold off.

I also send a text to a friend of mine who happens to be a cop, letting him know that we need to meet up tomorrow so I can fill him in on what has happened.

Right after the pizza arrives, I get the sense that we are not alone. My skin prickles and my nipples pebble from time to time, but I keep my focus on Aston.

We chill in front of the TV, watching a movie. Hearing Aston laugh and giggle makes my heart happy, until I tell him it is time for bed, as he has school tomorrow. He told me that his mom or stepfather never get him ready for school, he does it all on his own. There are times when he doesn’t even see them for days.

“You can sleep easy tonight, honey. No one will touch you here, okay?”

He nods at me, his eyes drooping, his tiredness showing. I can only imagine how many nights this boy goes to bed in fear of being attacked. Abusers can be so unpredictable, but they like the idea of their victim living in fear of them. It gives them power.

“I wish you were my mom, Sky. You treat me better than my own mother, who couldn’t care less if I eat or not. She does not care if I go to school, but I go so I can learn then get away from them, plus, I can eat at school.”

I bite my lip to stop myself from sobbing in front of this strong, clever child. He may only be eleven but he is way older in his head. No child should ever have to grow up quicker than others. A child’s job is to be carefree and full of life, not living in fear of when they will eat next.

“Sleep. No one is coming in here to hurt you. They have to get through me first, and if you hadn’t noticed, I am kind of a badass.” I wink at him, making him laugh softly.

I swear I hear a soft low chuckle close to the bedroom door, but I force my body not to react, keeping my gaze on Aston. Brushing his dark hair back from his forehead, I watch him ashe falls asleep in my queen-size bed, snuggled under the thick blankets.

Kissing his head, I slowly step away from the bed, leaving the door open so I can hear him if he needs me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand to attention when I step into my living room, but I see nothing out of place, so I quickly lock up the house.

Then, I throw away the empty pizza box and paper plates. The sense that I am being watched washes over me, so I step over to the window, checking to see if anyone is outside my house, but I see no one.

My gaze moves around the room, but I see nothing.

Collecting myself a drink and a snack, I go back upstairs, checking on a sleeping Aston before I slip into my guest room, again keeping the door open a little so I can hear him if he needs me.

Stripping out of my clothes, my body reacts, and I know why my body is reacting. Removing my underwear, I feel warmth at my back, but no contact is made. The intense feeling of warmth moves along my arms, stopping at my fingers.

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