Page 50 of Bound by Affliction
“I loved having you around even when I was dead set on you leaving. You provided me with a comfort that I was depending on. Anne asked me once if you were my crutch, and I told her no. Then I started to think about it and got my head even more twisted.” She breathes out and I tighten my grip on her, so damn happy she’s getting this all out. It’s damn hard though to keep quiet and let herspeak.
“My head’s been messed up for a long time, and I’m not saying that it’s still not, but I’m better than when I woke up. I was devastated that you were leaving me, but I didn’t know if coming with you was because you would protect me or if I really wanted to come and start our livestogether.”
Her eyes glisten with tears as she shifts just a bit in my lap. “I was coming home to tell you that I wanted to come to Sumner with you. That I wanted to pack up and leave everything in Florida behind. I know I can’t leave my parents, but visiting is much different than living day in and dayout.”
She surprises me with her confession because she kept pushing me away, saying that she couldn’t come with me because she had to stand on her own. But I’m fucking happy shedid.
“Babe?”
“I’m sorry, Green. I knew you’d be mad. And I knew you’d look for me. But I didn’t know my place was going to get trashed. I knew I’d have to explain things to you once I got back, but never in my wildest dreams did I think someone would breakin.”
I suck my bottom lip into my mouth and let it pop out. “This mean we’re done with all this back and forth shit and you not letting mein?”
She looks away briefly, almost shyly. It’s another thing I love about her. That even when she doesn’t know it, she’s sweet as honey. “I’m scared.” Her voice is soft, but her hands warm on mychest.
“Ofme?”
She smiles beautifully, admitting, “No and yes.” I quirk my brow, and she continues. “Yes, because you hold my heart, Green, and I haven’t given it awaybefore.”
“Baby.” I pull her to me and kiss her softly. “You have nothin’ to fear. I’ll keep itsafe.”
“There’s another reason for yes,” she says, pulling back. “I’m afraid you’ll see my body and change your mind about me. That you’ll think I’m hideous and run as fast as possible away fromme.”
“Those are your fears talkin’, and we need to push them away. Far, far away.” I brush a stray lock from her hair. “I’ve already told you what I think about your scars. You’re beautiful, Leah. Always have been, always willbe.”
Tears roll down her cheeks. “I’msorry.”
“No more of that. Let me show you how beautiful I think you are.” I pull her to me, tasting her and loving her with my lips. I’ll damn sure show her how Ifeel.
