Page 31 of Flog Me, Sir

“Thank you.”

She sat on the stool beside me, and her gaze seared through the side of my face. “She left.”

“What?” I jerked my heard toward her, setting the cup back down rather than sip like I’d intended.

“Lissa.”

“What do you mean, she left?” I asked, my brow denting like a motherfucker.

“Her mother called.” Tillie’s dark eyes searched my face as a million thoughts slammed into me.

Too much. Fear. Addiction. Sickness.

“What happened?” I asked, my voice raw as though I’d been bawling like a pansy assed little boy.

“Her mom’s boyfriend done beat her up, poor child.”

“Shit.” I scrubbed a hand down over my face.

“Weren’t the first time.”

I stood, more coffee no longer necessary.

“Where you goin’?”

“To help Lissa.”

“Oh no, you ain’t.” Tillie shook her head. “That girl won’t want you seein’ where she come from.”

“I don’t give a shit about where Lissa grew up, Tillie,” I said, frowning. “You of all people should know that.”

“Boy, I done know that—but she don’t yet.”

“So, what do I do?” I still glared. “Head back to Boston as though I didn’t just fall head over heels? Ignore her when she could use someone to lean on? Just ... walk away?”

Neglect her when she needs me most?

“That’s exactly what you’re gonna do.” Tillie stood and laid her hand on my chest, her dark eyes peering into me. “Give her space. Let her come to terms with what she wants, what you gave her.”

My head tipped to the side as I struggled with my rising emotions. “What all did she tell you?”

Tillie smiled with a knowing glint in her eyes. “Enough to know you gave her what she needs—even if she don’t know it yet. Enough to know you gave her the attention you long for.”

Tillie’s words sank in—deep—stealing my voice.

I wanted to care for Lissa. Lavish attention and praise on her. Fucking craved it.

“How long do I give her?” I asked, my voice ragged, my chest aching.

“Long as she needs.” Tillie patted my chest and walked off, leaving me alone with my thoughts.

I pulled my cell from my pocket and did the only thing I could—texted Lissa.

I’m here if you need anything.

I wanted to add an entire paragraph about how much I enjoyed our time together, how much more time I wanted to spend with her. I wanted to go on and on, listing the ways I wanted to care for her—emotionally, mentally, and sexually.

Keeping all the words bottled up inside me kept me antsy, long after Brock picked me and Rian up in his chopper. Boston’s lights twinkled on the horizon out the window, and still I longed to spill my guts. Hold Lissa close. Lose myself in her.

She never texted back.

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