Page 174 of Mad Love

MADDIE

Corinne’s sobs broke my heart.

After leaving the guys and Mrs. Beechum to get rid of everyone downstairs, I walked down the hall to her room. I could hear Ryan and Royal trying to calm her down, but it seemed only to make her cry harder.

Stepping into her doorway, I saw her curled on her bed, her hands clamped over her ears. Dirt from her shoes streaked the pale pink comforter. Ryan sat on the edge of her bed, speaking in soft tones while Royal stood on one side, looking frustrated that he didn’t have anyone to hit to make this better.

I leaned against the doorframe, not sure how to help.

“Cori sorry. Cori sorry. Cori sorry.” Her whispered chant before hiccupping sobs was like a plea. Like she was terrified we’d go off on her.

The way Beckett would have.

Royal turned and looked at me, the pain in his pale gray eyes staggering. He shook his head and folded his arms over his wide chest.

I walked in, unable to stand by and do nothing. I touched Ryan’s shoulder and went to the other side of Cori’s bed. I let instinct guide me as I got onto the bed behind her and molded my body around hers, wrapping an arm around her waist as I kissed her tangled, sweaty head.

Her breathing hitched, and I worried she’d pull away, but she relaxed the tiniest amount and pressed deeper against me. “Cori sorry.”

I kissed her head again before laying my cheek against her hair. “You have nothing to be sorry for, sweet girl.” I met Ryan’s eyes and saw the same fear I felt reflected. “Everything is fine, Cor.”

“Cori w-was bad,” she stammered.

“No, you weren’t,” I corrected, cuddling her as close as I could. “No one is mad at you, honey.”

Royal knelt in front of her face and gave her a small, crooked smile. “Who could ever be mad at you, princess?” He laid his hand on the bed, palm up.

She didn’t say anything, but eventually she reached a tiny hand out and rested it in his. The other she used to pop a thumb in her mouth.

Ryan’s head dipped, and I could see how he was struggling to know what to do for his sister next.

“The guys are helping clean up downstairs,” I said casually, stroking Cori’s hair away from her face.

Gratitude shimmered in his eyes. “Good. Cor, I need to check on something, okay? But Royal and Maddie are going to stay with you.”

She gave the tiniest of nods.

His mouth flattened as his eyes turned to me. I gave him a sad smile that I hoped conveyed that I had this. I’d take care of Corinne.

Exhaling heavily, Ryan stood up and left the room.

Royal shifted into a more comfortable position, and when his hand moved a few inches, Cori’s fingers wrapped around it. She let out a small whimper.

“Easy, baby girl,” Royal soothed, much like he’d say to a spooked animal. “I’m not going anywhere. I’m here as long as you need me.”

Sniffling, Cori sucked in a shaky breath and her fingers relaxed infinitesimally. Slowly, her small frame started to relax. At some point, I started to hum under my breath.

Royal met my eyes and dipped his head, the acknowledgement conveying a wealth of information. Gratitude, respect, and understanding.

My eyes blinked sluggishly, fatigue tugging at my mind as I felt Corinne go limp and finally fall into a sound sleep.

“She’s out,” Royal uttered, jaw still tight.

I swallowed a yawn. “It’s been a long day.”

“You’re good with her.”

“So are you,” I countered.

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