Page 70 of The Jester and His Outlaw: Part 2

“How so?”

“Well, my life until now has been worthless. The universe gave me a break when you came along, finally giving me something I don’t want to lose. I just had to get my shit together in order to keep you. I’d like to say I’ve done just that. My progress isn’t huge and I’m far from perfect, but I’m trying my best. People who try, have good luck, right?”

“Riggs… you have done so well. I don’t want to say I’m proud of you because that feels patronizing, but I’m glad I can be inspiration for you. You do not know how good it makes me feel to hear that. And I mean that in the most selfish way possible. Who doesn’t want to be told they’re the reason someone turned their life around? It’s flattering as fuck.”

He hums, deep in his chest, the vibration of it, music to my ears. “Flattering as fuck.”

“Yep.”

“I like that, Outlaw. Happy to oblige you and thank you for everything.” Tears spring to my eyes. Pretty sure the man told me he loves me without actually saying it. I give a soft sniffle. “You alright?”

“Yeah,” I lie, not ready to push him away by begging him to tell me he loves me. I know he does and I have faith one day, those words will leave his lips. Patience is key. “I think everything is catching up with me.” Abs clench beneath my touch when he lifts his head to press a soft kiss to my hair.

“I’ve got you. You can lean on me. Promise.” A single tear slips from the corner of my eye and rolls over the bridge of my nose. It’s the only one I let fall because while everything is weighing on me, I’m here with the man I love in our own place. That tear was a happy tear. There’s really nothing bad to cry about. Guards outside are keeping us safe like we’re fucking royalty, putting their lives on the line. They need me to be strong. Now is not a time for tears.

“We interrupt your regularly scheduled program to bring you breaking news from the University of Bleudale. A student, Aaron Wethersby, was found dead tonight with multiple knife wounds to his abdomen…”

I sit straight up, a shot of adrenaline coursing through me.

“What did she just say?”

CHAPTER31

The line ringsas I hold my phone in a shaky grasp next to my ear.

“Chuckles, it’s the middle of the night. Is everything alright?” Chandler asks, and I inwardly scold myself for calling him. It didn’t even dawn on me that he might be sleeping. Aside from Mr. Tucker, he is the only other adult that brings me any sort of comfort in this situation.

“I’m guessing you didn’t catch the news,” I say, sounding like a disappointed drone. It’s the only way I can keep from going hysterical.

His sigh is one of understanding patience. “No, dear, I’m afraid I didn’t. Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, I guess. But Chandler, they found Aaron Wethersby’s body. Someone stabbed him.”

“The kid that attacked you?”

“Yeah,” I say, my voice cracking.

“Shit, okay. Well, what you will not do is freak out. Alright? We have every measure in place to ensure that you’re safe.” The sound of him shuffling around registers and a police scanner crackles in the background. “I need the strong Chuckles right now. Is the kid there with you?”

“Yes, he is. We were settling in for the night. Chandler?”

“Yeah?”

“Are my parents safe?” He yawns and I follow suit. Riggs rubs my back, sitting up with his back against the wall. I don’t like the expression on his face one bit.

“Yeah, Charley, they’re safe.” I don’t miss the edge of irritation in his voice. He hates the distrust he feels for my parents right now. That was abundantly clear. My father sending him to watch me really freaked him out. He’s always guarded the house because he’s the best. Now he knows there is something going on that he isn’t aware of. “I’ve doubled security until I can figure out what the hell is going on.”

“And the guard that let Jonas into Jensen’s party?”

“Fired, hon’, no need to worry. Let me handle this, yeah? You keep yourself safe and listen to me when I tell you to, alright?”

“Yes, Sir. I can do that.” I yawn again, better now that I’ve talked with him. Riggs tucks me into his side, opening his thighs so I can curl my legs up onto him like I always do. We started that at the cafe and never stopped. He knows damn well I will not fall asleep easily, so we’ll watch a movie or something while we sit here and he rubs my back.

“Good, now get some sleep and I’ll talk to you tomorrow. Don’t worry about this. You have other things to focus on right now.”

I nod, even if he can’t see me. The affirmation of the movement makes me more stable, like it somehow punctuates that things will be fine. “Okay. Have a good night and please stay safe. I can’t even comprehend what is going on, but it would mess me up if I ever lost you. You know that, right?”

“I’m aware, Chuckles. But this isn’t your burden to worry about. Let me handle it.” He hangs up.

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