Page 152 of Invisible String
Rowan? I shut my phone off. I have read none of the text messages. I’m sure I forgot to tell Isabella to close. I’m sure she did.
The night is tranquil, with only the gentle rustling of the wind stirring the rhythmic rise and fall of the waves. The moonlight casts a silvery glow upon the water, illuminating its surface with a delicate shimmer. Each gust of wind carries a soothing, melodic sound, as if nature itself is singing a lullaby to the sleeping world. Like they say, there is a calmness before the storm. I’m unsure what type of storm I’m stepping into once I head back.
Every time something dreadful happens in my life, a storm erupts in the sky. Maybe it’s giving me a sign. I should be terrified of storms.
I let out a sigh as the rain begins to pour, accompanied by flashes of lightning. It’s no surprise my name is Rainey—I seem to bring storms into my life.
I shift the car into drive and head back home. Not Max’s, but mine.
My heartor my mind takes me to the one place I wanted to avoid. I needed a night to myself to prepare, but who am I kidding? There is no way to prepare your mind and heart for something like this. You’re adopted, and you just find out at the age of twenty-five. And you don’t remember any of it. Rain soaks my clothes, but I can’t feel it—my body has gone numb. The garage door is open from Max’s house. He peers at me from under the hood of his car. He drops the tool in his hand and walks toward me. I plant my feet on the cement driveway. Unsure of what I should do, run to him.
“Baby.” He exhales softly, his voice barely a whisper as deep lines etch his forehead, and his eyes widen, filled with concern. “You’re not hurt, are you?”
I shake my head. Words don’t come. They can’t. It’s like they’re stuck.
“Let’s get you inside,corazón.You’re wet. I’ve been so worried, Rainey. I have been driving everywhere looking for you. You ditched Johnny,amor mío.” Raindrops clung to Max’s hair, leaving his hair dripping.
“I…I needed time.” My chin trembles.
Without a warning, Max lifts me in his arms. Although his body is wet, I can feel the warmth from his touch. I don’t squeallike I usually do. I cling to his neck, calming my fragile heart with his scent.
“I love you, Rainey, so fucking much.”
What does he mean by this? Is this an I love you, goodbye?
He takes me to his room up the stairs. Kissing my forehead constantly. He sets me on the bed. “I’m going to draw you a bath.”
“No,” I whisper so low I can barely hear it myself.
“Let’s get you warm, baby. Then we can talk. I have a lot to tell you.” Max kneels on one knee. His hands frame my face. “I’m always here for you, Rainey. I’m not going anywhere. I promise.” Max’s voice is soft and soothing.
Does he see the confusion on my face? Of course he does. He notices everything.
He stands and starts the large bath, which always perfectly fits the two of us with his large body. From a distance, I see he adds lavender bath bombs. Then he comes back to the bed and lifts me, and we don’t talk. He just kisses my cheek. Then, slowly, he peels my clothes off until I’m completely naked.
“I got you,” he says as he anchors me into the tub of warmth and suds floating around me.
I don’t know what to say or what question to ask first. My mouth is dry. Max gets the sponge and gently washes my back. My body sinks into his touch and the warmth of the water. I feel slightly relaxed but still on high alert.
“You have the softest skin…I’m sorry,amor, you heard that. I wanted to talk to you in person about this, not you overhearing.”
“I’m scared, Max. I’m scared of what I’m about to learn. My gut tells me this isn’t good.”
His giant, rough hands are always gentle on me. “I’m here. Always here. Lean back so I can wash your hair. You can relax, Rainey. I’m not going to let anything happen to you.” My gazemeets his beautiful eyes. There like a storm, blue, gray, and green mixed into hues of sadness.
My body instinctively tilts toward his hand, seeking the familiar warmth and comfort. His fingers, firm yet gentle, work small circles through my hair, spreading the cool, fragrant shampoo and sending tingling sensations across my scalp. “I know you’re scared,corazón. Remember, after every storm, a rainbow follows. I’ll make sure my girl gets hers. Just trust me. I’ll get you anything your heart desires. Just remember to stay strong during the storm, lean on me,amor. I’ll kiss away the pain, your tears.” Max finishes washing every part of my body. He doesn’t look at me with desire, but with pain. “Just don’t leave me, my love,” he whispers softly, pulls the plug from the tub.
A warm towel wraps around me. Max dries my hair, then carries me to the bedroom onto the bed. I get dressed while he changes from his wet clothes into a pair of gray sweats.
Seconds later, he runs upstairs with a bottle of water. I’m parched from the whole day without water. Max watches as I drink half of it.
“Can we sit in the other room? The library.” Max built me a shelf. Although it’s still empty, and I’m sure he wants me to move in. Probably a hint. Only a lamp and a fluffy chair you sink into are in the room.
“Yeah, of course.”
He extends his hand for me to take. We walk hand in hand to the next room. I asked him once why so many bedrooms, and he said it was for the kids. That warmed my heart. He has everything planned.
“Do you want a blanket?”
