Page 79 of Betrayed by Your Love

Living on my own was something I adjusted to, but now, I saw how wrong it was. I told myself I was fine with it. I didn’t need anyone. I was old enough to take care of myself.

But I didn’t want to. I didn’t want to be alone. I wanted the feeling I had at this moment from now on. Secure, loved, safe.

“Can I stay with you guys until we leave?” The words were out before I could talk myself out of it.

Luca tightened his grip, but it was Bruce that answered. “Of course. We were planning on that.”

Renea turned to give me a smile. “We’ll make sure your father agrees. You won’t have to go to his apartment.”

Had they seen my panic at the hospital? Was it that obvious I didn’t want to go?

“Our home is yours, Avalon. You’re free to stay whenever you’d like.” She tapped the back of her chair. “During holidays and breaks from school, you’ll always have a room.”

“Thanks.” My nose burned with the pain of unshed tears, but I fought them back. Not only were the guys my home, but I had family. Plenty of it. I might not have my mom, grandparents, or brother with me anymore, but I had all of them. Five families that accepted me as one of their own.

After eating lunch, Renae showed me to the guest room next to Luca’s bedroom, pointed out all the toiletries she had for me, and set out some clothes. I had no idea when she had time to pull this together.

“I really appreciate this.” I could feel my body weakening. I wanted to shower and wash away this day, then crawl into bed until it was time to leave for the new school.

“Write down your sizes, and I’ll go get more while you nap.” She pointed to a notepad on the nightstand. “If you need anything at all, please just ask. This is your home, too, and we want you to be comfortable.”

I smiled. “Thank you.”

She gave me a gentle hug then left, leaving the door open a crack. I took the paper and wrote all my sizes from tops, bras, pants, and shoes. It felt excessive until I realized I probably had nothing left.

The door creaked, and I looked up to see Luca come in. “Feeling okay?”

“I really want to shower. I can still smell the smoke.” I cringed. “I’m just waiting until I have the energy to move.”

He walked over, and I took his outstretched hands. He helped me up, then led me across the hall to the guest bathroom.

He locked the door behind us and went to the shower, turning the water on before facing me again.

“Can I help you?”

I sagged against the wall. “Please.”

His eyes dipped before locking on mine. His slow steps toward me would have been sexy at any other time, but right now, they felt cautious, like he was scared if he moved too fast I’d disappear.

With gentle movements, he lifted my shirt and guided my arms out before pulling it off completely. Then he pulled down the sweats, leaving me in my bra and underwear.

“Do you want me to?” He licked his lips.

I nodded and held my arms a few inches out, away from my body, and he went behind me to unhook the bra. When I was naked, he took me by the elbow and led me into the shower. The hot water hit my skin, and I closed my eyes.

A moment later, the door opened again, and I felt him step in behind me. He nudged me silently under the water, then back out to work shampoo into my hair. His nails scraped along my scalp, applying the perfect pressure while he lathered. He guided me back into the water and ran his fingers through the length of my hair, trailing down my back.

He repeated the process with conditioner, being gentler than I’d ever known him to be.

“Turn.” His whisper was barely audible over the sound of the water, but I obeyed until we were face to face. I finally opened my eyes and instead of seeing lust or desire, there was only love.

“Luca.” I breathed out his name.

His thumb caressed my cheek. “I’ve got you.”

I nodded, and he poured the sweetest smelling body wash over a pink loofah and lifted my right arm, scrubbing away the soot, smoke, and memories of the night before.

Each movement, every touch was tender. I leaned against the cold tile wall, too exhausted to think about anything other than the feeling of being clean again. He washed my shoulders, back, butt, and down my legs without hesitation. When he moved to my front, he repeated his strokes without hesitation as if this was something he did all the time. Like washing his girlfriend was nothing new.

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