It wasn’t until he followed it with, “Are you ever going to talk to me, Isla?” that had me torn and conflicted.
It was right there on the tip of my tongue.
I wanted to.
Needed to…
I hadn’t spoken in so long, and I didn’t know how to form words anymore. It was this defense mechanism I couldn’t break free from. As much as I yearned to, as much as I hoped I could for him, it was just too hard.
With a sigh, he added, “I have to tell you something.”
My heart dropped, and I suddenly felt afraid for a whole different reason.
“I have to go out of town for the weekend.”
Immediately concerned, I mouthed, “I’ll go with you.”
He shook his head, expressing, “It’s not that kind of trip. I leave tomorrow morning, and I’ll be back on Sunday.”
Question after question tore through my mind at rapid speed. I hated the thought of being by myself for the weekend. I’d gotten used to his presence, his company, his affection, and his voice. It kept me at peace.
I mouthed, “Is everything okay?”
Little did I know, he’d rock my world with four simple words that weren’t so simple at all.
Never in a million years did I expect him to declare, “You’ll be with Kraven.”
I jerked back, trying to find my bearings for a second.
Did he really just say that?
For a moment, I thought my ears were playing tricks on me.
“Don’t look so surprised.” He smiled, once again reading my mind. “He’ll keep you company, that’s all.”
I was beyond lost.
It was hard to keep up.
Inhaling a deep, refined breath, I sat there in a state of shock.
Did Kraven agree to this?
Julius reminded, “Trust me, okay? You’re safe with him.”
What can I say to that?
It was his brother…
What if I wasn’t safe with him?
Kraven didn’t even seem like he was safe on his own.
Julius was the only person I ever trusted, and I had no plans on changing that.
I grabbed my phone, texting him.
* * *