Page 70 of Beautiful Ruins
He was warning me to stay. Not leave.
If I was being honest, I hadn’t given much thought to my future, at least not beyond finding the truth about Logan.
I sniffed, trying to suppress the emotions bubbling up inside me. “Well, you aren’t so bad yourself, big guy.”
We’d peeled something back between us, whether or not we meant to. But it felt more like home the longer I stayed.
Chapter Twenty-Two
ROWAN
“Here, let me help.” Sadie slid an arm around my waist, her dark hair brushing my shoulder.
Every movement was deliberate, careful not to press against the raw scar just beneath my ribs. It was still tender from the fresh stitches. With a small groan, she eased me onto the couch, the leather cool against my skin.
I felt like a fucking useless piece of shit.
Down time wasn’t my favourite thing in the world, but when I had a five-foot-four dark-haired nightmare bossing me around every five fucking minutes, I decided it was either take a break from the club for a few days, or deal with Sadie’s attitude. I chose to take a couple of days. The club could manage without me for a little while.
What I missed the most was the fresh air as I cruised the open roads on two wheels.
And truth be told, I didn’t mind having Sadie fussing around me, propping up my pillows, and making sure I’d eaten. Didn’t mind when she leaned too close, either, and Icaught the scent of lavender and vanilla, her perfume inviting me in.
If I hadn’t already been in love with her, I definitely was by that stage. I still hadn’t said the words out loud, but something had changed between us. I could see it in the way she looked at me, the way she fucking smiled at me like she used to all those years ago.
I remembered what it was like to be surrounded by Sadie Cooper. As much as I had no intention of ever giving that up, telling her the truth about how I really felt was too much of a risk in my fragile state. I preferred my heart inside my body, not stomped on by her boots when she fled again.
So, I was determined to hold on to the small thread she was offering—it was just a matter of time before that snapped as well. It was easier getting shot than letting her see how much I needed her.
“Thanks Firefly,” I said, letting my head fall against the back of the couch.
She tilted her head, studying my position on the couch. “Are you sure you’re comfortable? Do I need to call Dr. Martinez? Maybe he needs to check the wound just in case.”
I held a hand up and pinched the bridge of my nose with the other as I braced myself for the surge of her overprotectiveness. “Sades. I’m fine. Please stop fussing, okay? If I start bleeding out, I’ll let you know.” My tone was half-amused, half-pleading in the hopes she’d take a hint.
I knew she meant well, but fuck.
She narrowed her eyes and gave my shin a playful kick—just enough to send a jolt running through me at the touch of her skin on mine. “Not funny, Rowan. You almost died.” With a sigh, she dropped onto the couch beside me, sliding in close and draping her leg over mine, the familiar weight of it making ithard to breathe. She bit her lower lip. God, I remembered that. My fingers ached to drag it free and kiss her again. “You scared the shit out of me,” she said, her voice low, almost a whisper.
“I know.” I wrapped an arm around her shoulders and tugged her against my good side. She didn’t resist, just melted against me, sliding under my arm like it was the most natural thing in the world. Her cheek settled against my chest. “I’m sorry. I hate sitting around and feeling useless.”
“It’s okay.” She traced lazy circles on my stomach with the tip of her finger, each spiral sending a small wave of warmth through me. “And I’m sorry if I’m being . . . overbearing. I just . . .” Her words faltered, and she swallowed hard. “I just… I can’t lose you. Not after everything.” She lifted her head, forcing me to look into those hazel eyes of hers. “Rowan . . . I?—”
I pressed a finger to her lips. My heart rate spiralled into dangerous territory. I leaned in, ever so slightly, and Sadie’s eyes danced between mine. Fuck. I was going to kiss her for real. None of that fake shit.
That was until a sharp rap on the door shattered the moment.
We both stiffened, the silence crackling in the air. Sadie sprang upright, blood draining from her face as she crossed the room and yanked open the front door. Her shoulders sagged as though all the air was escaping her lungs. She folded her arms over her chest.
I knew without looking who exactly stood on my doorstep.
Her father.
Perfect fucking timing.
Sadie stepped back and stared at the floor while John stepped inside the living room.
“Rowan.” He nodded his greeting. The sound of his voice turned my stomach. I figured he’d track me down eventually,especially after the shooting. “Sades,” he said, placing a hand on Sadie’s shoulder in a fatherly gesture. “Can I have a moment alone with Rowan?”
