Page 23 of Follow Me Down

Chapter Six

Titus

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“What’s your deal tonight?” Link asks as I slide the leftover pizza into the fridge.

“I don’t have a deal.” I grunt, keeping my voice low as to not wake Fallon. She dozed off in the middle of some stupid comedy Link insisted we watch. Honestly, after six beers and two hits off a joint, I’m surprised she lasted as long as she did.

“Seriously?” He hits me with a disbelieving look as I turn toward where he’s leaning against the kitchen counter. “You’ve had a massive stick up your ass all fucking night.”

“No I haven’t.” I empty the remainder of my third beer into the sink before dropping the empty bottle into the trash.

“Yes, you have. You were policing that poor girl all night.”

“What the hell are you talking about?” I sigh, too tired to deal with his melodrama right now. It’s been a long fucking day.

“Since when do you give a shit if someone smokes some weed or has a few drinks? If I remember right, most of the girls you’ve brought home over the years are usually stumbling by the time they get here.”

“That’s different.”

“Different how?”

“Because I want one thing from them and they want one thing from me and we both know what it is going into it. But her.” I point into the living room. “She’s not some random girl I brought home to fuck. She’s different. And she needs our help. Pumping her full of alcohol and drugs isn’t the way to do that.”

“No but giving her the ability to let loose a little certainly doesn’t hurt.” He looks at me like I’ve lost my mind. “What the fuck is it with you and this girl? Don’t tell me you’re growing soft on her?”

“Fuck you, Link.” I spin on my heel and quietly make my way into the living room.

Sliding one arm under Fallon’s neck, I hook the other under her legs and easily lift her from the couch.

“You have.” Link follows after me. “You like her,” he accuses.

“Would you shut the fuck up?” I hiss over my shoulder as I make my way down the hallway.

“Holy fuck. You do,” he whisper yells.

Ignoring my friend, I kick open my bedroom door and cross the room, depositing Fallon onto the bed the moment I reach it.

She mumbles something incoherently and rolls onto her side, her mess of blonde curls splayed out across the pillow. I have to physically restrain myself from climbing into the bed next to her.

Earlier today I was pissed at Link for telling her she could stay, for putting me in the position to allow her to. But now I find myself dreading her inevitable departure.

Fuck. How drastically things can change in the matter of just a few short hours.

Truth be told, it’s taken every fucking ounce of will power I could muster today to keep her at arm’s length. I never deny myself the simple pleasures a woman can offer, and there were a couple of times today that she looked at me and I damn near caved. But, like I told Link, she’s different. Good. Way too damn good for me, that’s for sure.

Black sheep. Troubled past. A family who doesn’t even speak to me. I think it’s safe to say I am not the kind of guy anyone should get mixed up with. Especially not someone as innocent as her.

I’d break her. Of that I am absolutely certain.

Grabbing the comforter, I pull it up over her small frame. And to not add any fuel to Link’s ridiculous accusation, I don’t linger.

I quietly slip out of the room and pull the door shut behind me, nearly clocking Link in the face when he suddenly appears in front of me.

“Titus and Fallon sittin’ in a tree,” he starts to chant like the five-year-old that he is.

“Really fucking mature. Now will you get the fuck out of my way? It’s been a long day and I really need to try to get some sleep.” I shove my way past him.

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