Page 17 of Fortress of the Cursed

“How are you feeling?” Fynn asks, bringing me coffee and donuts as we sit on my bed.

I smile. He’s sweet when he’s like this.

My ribs still hurt like a bitch, but I know that’s going to take some time to heal.

“I’m feeling a lot better being home,” I admit.

In truth, the past few days have felt like a whirlwind.

“You’re always welcome to come to my place, but I fear Dante may drive you crazy. He’s not exactly roommate of the year.”

“Thank you for offering, but I don’t think my mom wants to let me out of her sight.”

Imagining going anywhere without someone with me feels terrifying, but I don’t tell Fynn that. I don’t want him to worry. “And the cops came over.”

He sips on his coffee, his eyes never leaving my face. “I know.”

“Of course you do.”

“It was a formality.”

“And you still haven’t found…him?”

He shakes his head. “Lucky for him.”

I swallow hard. “Remember your promise in regard to Cam, Fynn.”

“I promised nothing except to keep you safe. This is me keeping that promise.” He doesn’t even flinch when he says it.

I don’t see this serious side to him very often, but I know he won’t tell me anything, even if he does find Cam before the cops.

“I didn’t even get a chance to thank Angelo,” I say, biting my nails. “For being there and getting my things.”

He pulls my hand from my mouth. “He doesn’t need thanks. He wanted to help.”

I look down at my hands. “I owe you both so much.”

“You owe me nothing, Sage, remember that. I’m your friend. I’ll always be there, no matter what.” He’s certainly proved it. His eyes are fierce as I try to avoid his intense gaze.

I take a deep breath, sitting back into the fluffy pillows. “I appreciate that so much. More than you’ll ever know.”

Softness touches his eyes as he regards me. I don’t know what he sees when he looks at me now.

A scared little girl?

A woman who lost control of herself, and her life?

Does he think I’m pathetic? No, Fynn would never think that. But I can’t stop berating myself for not seeing the signs.

Having to relive the trauma of Cameron on top of me… I’m screaming inside, but I can’t let it out. I want to erase that part from my memory forever, but I can’t.

I never wanted Fynn’s pity, but if he keeps looking at me like that, I’ll fold.

“Like I said, anything you want or need, you call me. I’ll be a better friend, I promise.”

And there it is again.

Friend.

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