Page 83 of Guarded
He groaned, gripping the back of his neck in frustration. “I want to respect your wishes, Noah, but this is going against all of my instincts, both as an arch and as your leader.”
“Then don’t be those things right now,” I said. “Be my friend instead. A friend who understands that I need to gothrough this alone, and who will help me pick up the pieces afterwards.”
Sorrow flashed across his face. “I can do that. We all can. All of us are here for you.”
“So you’ll leave?”
“Yes.” He heaved a sigh. “But if you’re not back by seven p.m. tomorrow night, I’m coming back. Nox too. It might take both of us, but we’ll drag you out of here and back home where you belong.”
I fell back against the door in relief. “Deal. The vampires are due in the morning and I’m gone the second they arrive. I promise.”
“Good.” Micah held something out to me. My phone, I realised. “In the meantime, maybe you should open up to Jeremiah. If he’s anything like Nox, he’ll be pissed if he finds out you were suffering and hiding it from him. Trust me, I’m speaking from experience.”
I nodded, already moving to power the device on. “I will, I promise. I’m going to do it face to face though. I think it’ll go better that way.”
“So long as you tell him, that’s all that matters.”
Micah bid me goodbye before leaving, but I barely heard him. I was too busy reading the messages Jeremiah had sent me. My stomach hollowed at the anxiety in them. The genuine concern for my well-being. The offers to do whatever I needed, just because he wanted to help.
Me. Jem wanted to be there for me. He talked about firsts, and that was one I hadn’t experienced. Not from a romantic partner, at least.
I read the text asking for a sign of life and tears started to fall. Fuck. I’d thought I was protecting Jeremiah, but I’d caused him so much unnecessary stress as a result.
I kept fucking up, even when I was trying not to.
My thumbs were poised to reply when a new message popped up from him.
Jeremiah
I’m back in London. I still haven’t heard from you, and I can’t sense you close by. Are we on for our date tomorrow?
He was home. I rubbed at my chest as sobs rattled through it. I wished so desperately to be there with him. That was where I should be, not looking after my ex who I hated.
I should be with Jem.
He sent another message before I had a chance to respond.
Jeremiah
We can reschedule if you need more time. I’m not going travelling anymore. I don’t care what you say about it, I’m not leaving you again.
He’s not leaving again.
There was no fear, just an overwhelming rush of relief and gratitude.
My thumbs flew over the phone, sending several messages in quick succession.
Noah
No! Don’t reschedule.
Tomorrow. I want to see you. I need to.
I’m sorry.
Tomorrow is good.
I’ve missed you. I’m sorry. I’m so fucking sorry, Jem.
