Page 96 of Ink and Ashes
I inhale sharply and Mary does the same.
“Fucking hell,” Emmett mutters, while Colson’s jaw clenches tight.
How did I not realize before now that the lock was broken? A shiver runs up my spine, and I can’t help but wonder if this is the first time someone has broken in. They must’ve climbed in through the window, put up the articles, and then left the same way.
But how? Practically the whole town was at the station for the service, and so were all the firefighters. We know it’s one of them, but I don’t know how they could’ve been in two places at once. Which means someone either snuck away at some point, or they’re working with a partner.
Fuck. I think I’m going to be sick.
Colson must sense my incoming panic, because in the next moment, his arms are around me.
He presses a soft kiss to the top of my head. “Nowwill you come home with me?” he asks, emphasizing that I’m obviously not safe here, no matter how much I’d like to think I am.
He’s worried about you, Holland. Give the guy an inch.
With one last glance around the room, I blow out a breath and nod.
“Okay.”
CHAPTER 34
Colson
Itear down the articles taped all over the room while Holland packs her things, then after a quick goodbye to Mary and Emmett, the two of us make our way back out to my truck.
After loading her bags in the bed, I lead Holland around to the passenger side. I open the door for her, and once she’s seated, I grab her seatbelt and reach over to buckle it for her.
“I can put on my own seatbelt,” she says in an attempt to lighten the obviously dark mood, but it falls flat.
I huff a humourless laugh. “I know you can, Red.”
I shut the door, then make my way around the truck into the driver’s seat. The engine roars to life, then I pull out of the parking lot and head in the direction of my house.
It’s funny. I’d stayed here a few nights over this past week to get some distance from Holland, and now here I am, bringing her back here with me. I don’t know what I was thinking when I invited her to come stay with me—just that there’s no question in my mind this is where I want her to be. With everything that’s happened in the past week and now the break-in, I need her tobe safe, and the only place I know she will be for sure is with me.
Holland’s breathing accelerates from the passenger seat, and I reach over to place my hand on her knee.
“Hey,” I tell her. “Take a deep breath. You’re safe with me.”
She examines me with a curious look on her face, and I would give anything to be able to read her mind right now.
“I know I am,” she says. “This is just…a lot.”
“I know.” I blow out a breath, and she shifts in her seat to face me.
“Thank you,” she says softly. “I know I’ve been a pain in your ass, but I appreciate you doing this for me.”
I look at her with a smile, biting my tongue to keep from saying I would do anything for her. Because I would, but I don’t think telling her that will make living together easier.
Twenty minutes and a pizza stop later, I turn into the long driveway leading up to my house. It’s a farmhouse like practically all the houses in town, with dark brown siding, brick accents, and large windows. The front door is painted olive green, and there’s a cobblestone path leading up to it.
“Thisis where you live?” Holland asks, disbelief lacing her tone.
I chuckle. “That surprises you?”
“Yeah,” she admits. “I was expecting like…a tent or something.”
I laugh louder at that, and it feels so wrong yet so good. “A tent? Really?”
