Page 50 of Redd

“Yeah, I see that, but why? I can take care of it after.”

“I don't want your little sister coming home to this. And it's my mess, my responsibility—not yours.You've already done more than I could ever ask.”

His mouth folded as he leaned against the doorway and looked around. “Do you even remember where it all goes?”

“No, but I can figure it out.”

Chuckling, he walked over and stood by my side, piling up the loose silverware on the counter. “She gets out at three, and I'm taking you with me to get her. I don't want you here alone, I shouldn't have left you this morning.”

I stayed quiet, unsure of what to say. Flicking my eyes up, I smiled softly, then pulled them away. He was probably right, I shouldn't be left alone for a number of reasons.

There was this constant state of turmoil that held me hostage. I was afraid of my own fucking shadow, I was afraid of all the dark corners and noises that sent my head in a tailspin.

What would trigger me to lose it again? What would be that final push to send me clear off the edge?

I didn't have a damn clue what would send me spiraling down the rabbit hole, but when Redd was with me, I didn't feel that anxiety. I felt more grounded, more alive, more human than I could remember.

There was a sense of comfort that settled over my body and my chest pitter pattered for a different reason. His strong muscles, his firm back and sharp jaw; it did something to me. The black fog that settled inside my heart thinned, allowing it to beat unhinged.

Pulling open a cupboard beside the stove, I crouched down and stacked the pots and pans inside where I had torn them from before.

Standing back up, I turned around, ready to start on the other side of the room. A wall of gray blinded my vision, causing me to sway on my heels. Redd was right behind me, leaning over me to put the knives back in place.

Gasping, I tried to take a step back, but I hit the edge of the counter. His eyes fell onto my face, holding me still. The heat off his body kept me pinned in place, his gaze full as his eyes sparked with small bursts of light.

We were so close, chest to chest, toe to toe. Inhaling a sharp breath, I reached up and plucked at my lips. His energy was electric, causing goosebumps to jump off my skin and the hair on my arms to prickle.

“Sorry, I should have warned you that I was right here. I guess I didn't think about it.” Taking a big step back, he created a void between us.

And while the nervous side of me was grateful, the needy side didn't want him to move. I could still feel his hands as he held me that night, keeping me protected. I could still sense his touch on my wrist as he pulled me from my prison.

The way he held me when I needed comfort, and soothed my mind when I was ready to just give up on it all; it was right there, reminding me that not everyone was bad. He let me cry, he stroked my head and calmed me down. I didn't try to fight him off, I accepted his arms and words.

“That's alright, I'm okay.”

His eyes bore a hole into my chest, leaving my wounded heart open and exposed. After everything Diablo had put me through, I shouldn't want a man anywhere near me.

But I did. I wanted Redd, and I wasn't sure what to do with it. I didn't know if I liked it or hated it. All I knew was something brewed deep in my belly and it warmed me from the inside out.

“You're not okay, I saw where you came from.” Dragging his hand through his hair, he ruffled the edges. “I just, I just don't know how the hell you're still alive.” Looking me up and down, he pinched his chin.

“That makes two of us.” I tried to force a laugh, but it didn't work. Redd glared at me, not finding any humor in my remark.

“I can see how strong you are, Bijou. I hope you can see it too.” Taking a step in, he licked his lips as his lids hovered dangerously low.

My cheeks flushed, and I turned my head so I wouldn't be looking him right in the eyes. He looked like he wanted to kiss me, and the thought of that took my breath away.

Clearing my throat, I glanced up at him from the corner of my eye. “Is it strength or just plain luck?” Stepping to the side, I curled my hands around my waist. “Some people get lucky, they hit the lottery, they find treasure. . .” Pausing, I looked over myself. “Maybe I just got lucky and stayed alive.”

“I know all about luck, and I don't think it works that way at all.” Sighing, he shook his head, running his fingers through his hair. “Come with me.”

“Where?” I asked, gripping the hard stone of the counter. My heart fluttered inside my chest as he reached his hand out for me take.

“Just come with me.” Wriggling his fingers, he stretched further.

Slowly, I gave my hand to him, dropping the other to my side. Redd walked me through the living room and down the hall, stopping outside his door.

“I'd give you the tour, but you already know this place.” A tight smirk teased his lips as he stepped through the threshold and into his room. “Maybe if we get you out of those clothes, it'll help you feel a little better.”

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