Page 76 of Infinite
“Don’t be. You’re more than welcome to show me your gratitude like that anytime.”
And just like that, I’m hard again. I should carry around an ice pack when I’m with her for the blue balls.
26
Ashton
“Are you sure about this?” Quinn asks as we pull up to the facility.
“As sure as I’ll ever be.”
Not really. In fact, I’m not sure about anything, but after our therapy appointment, which was basically me crying as Quinn told her his version of the loss of our child and his abduction, she felt that it might be a good thing for us to confront Aaron.
I begged Quinn to forget she ever mentioned it. I don’t see how looking into his eyes will help me. He took everything away. There will never be a time in my life where I will forgive him. Quinn telling us all of the details made it even more clear that he’s a bastard.
Now I’m supposed to look at him even though I’m fucking terrified. I would’ve put this off forever, but since time isn’t really on our side, we got in the car.
“He’s not what you’re expecting.”
In my mind, he’s gone from being a man to this monster that’s ten feet tall and as big as a house. Since the attack, I can’t help but think he would have to be in order to take Quinn, but I know that’s not reality.
Quinn takes my hand, and we walk inside. We sign in, and the woman at the nurse’s desk smiles a little too sensually at Quinn.
Seriously, I’m standing right here.
My thoughts are jumbled as we make our way through the hall. He never once lets go of my hand that won’t stop shaking. My legs feel like jelly, and if it weren’t for Quinn, I’d have toppled over.
“You’re safe, Ashton.”
I look up at him and try to smile. “I’m scared.”
“I promise that he won’t hurt you, and I’d be surprised if he had the strength to stand. Aaron has beaten himself up more than you ever could’ve. He’s weak, sad, lonely, and dealing with more things in his head than you and I could ever imagine.”
I want to believe him, and I don’t think he’s lying, but Aaron has taken on a form of something else in my mind. It’s why Carolina was insistent that I come up here and lay this to rest. Healing comes in many forms and while the damage done to me has needed a tourniquet, I’m learning to slowly release the pressure so it doesn’t bleed so fast.
Baby steps. That’s what we’re doing.
“I trust you.”
Quinn brings his lips to my forehead and lingers there. “Good. Just remember I’m right here.”
In our session, he told Carolina how he has already dealt with most of this. He has seen Aaron several times since his kidnapping and has found peace with what happened to him. I’m not sure if it’s the whole brotherhood thing or something else. As they talked, they both agreed that it might help me to move past my fears for Quinn.
So, here I am.
Taking another baby step and hoping I don’t fall.
We enter the room to find Aaron sitting in a chair, gazing out the window. He doesn’t seem to notice that he’s no longer alone or maybe he’s asleep. Quinn takes another step inside, pulling me gently with him.
“Aaron,” Quinn calls his name.
He turns, sees us both, and gets to his feet. “Why are you here? It’s not your day.”
My heart races, and I wonder if he’s agitated and going to charge at us.
“No, it’s not, but we wanted to see you.”
“Liam was here yesterday. It’s not your day.”
