Page 124 of Don't Look Down

But fuck it all. Andrew is dead.

Where’s Sky? And why isn’t he answering Addy? He shouldn’t be alone right now.

And Cayden... My God. How’s Cayden holding up? I need to get the fuck out of here and get to my man.

Checking my security app, I see there’s a garage door notification from about an hour ago. It says there’s a personat the door. Sky’s home. I just need to get to him. I relay the information to Addy.

“Jesus. I don’t even know what to say right now. I’m just so fucking sorry.” I pinch the bridge of my nose to hold the tears back.

Even to my own ears, my voice sounds hoarse. I can’t let them go just yet. Not until I get to Sky. Anxiety twists my gut.

“Does Cayden need anything right now? His parents? Do you need anything?” I pause to take a deep breath. “I need to get to Sky, but anything you guys need, I’ll make it happen.”

Leigh is in my space, my shoulder gripped in his strong hand. I meet his eyes again, and he nods, “Obviously, some shit went down. I’ve got you. Whatever they need. Whatever you need. We got you.”

My team, my brothers, are gathered close, expressions somber. Ready to drop everything even after our brutal schedule and hellishly long flight. These guys are my family. They have my back. And fuck, I need them right now.

“Just get to Sky for now. I’ll keep you updated, if anything.” She says.

“Okay, thanks, Addy. It looks like he’s at my house, but I’ll let you know when I’m with him.”

“Thanks, honey.” We disconnect, and I call Sky immediately. He doesn’t answer, and a trickle of fear tries to twist its icy fingers around my heart. “Sky…” I don’t know what the fuck to say. “I heard about Andrew. I’m on my way home. I’ll be there soon. God, baby, I’m so sorry.” I disconnect the call and order an Uber before shoving my phone into my pocket.

“Shit, can you guys grab my gear and luggage? I’ll pass by the arena and get my car later. I can’t… I just… If it’s not in my carry-on, I don’t need it right now.”

“Yeah, man. If you give me your keys, I’ll drop your truck and everything at your place on my way home,” Murdock volunteers. “I know Meg won’t mind.”

“Thanks, man.”

Leigh asks, “Are you good, bro? Want me to ride with you?”

I shake my head, “Yeah, I’m good for now. I just gotta get to Sky.”

“Text me when you can.”

Nodding, I rush off and ask security to escort me to rideshare pickup.

The Uber driverunderstands the assignment. I tell him I have a family emergency and need to get home quickly, and he delivers. I’ll have to make sure to tip him generously.

It’s dark and quiet when I let myself in the front door. Eerily quiet.

The silence is almost suffocating in its intensity. A heaviness in the air, like death is a presence that has made itself known. Even here. In my home, which, thanks to Sky, is always full of sunshine. It doesn’t fit. This shouldn’t be happening.

I make my way down the hall, intent on taking the stairs to my bedroom and stop short when I find him at the end of the hallway near the kitchen. My lungs fill with the breath I didn’t realize I was holding. The relief that fills me is too overwhelming to describe. Seeing him now…I can finally breathe again. I knew he was okay, but I needed to physically see him with my own eyes toknowhe wasokay.

Sky’s on his knees. Head down, he seems to be staring sightlessly at the floor. Or maybe his hands? His face is dry, but tear streaks are covering his beautiful face.

“Skylar?” A slight twitch of his shoulders is the only sign he even registered my arrival. “Baby, I’m here.”

I sink down on my knees behind him and scoot closer until I’m able to wrap myself around him. To blanket him with my body. Anything to try to give him some of my strength. Some comfort. Anything.

He shivers. Sobs wrack his body. Like my arrival, my touch, gave him permission to let the floodgates free. Sobs wrench from deep inside his soul. Guttural sobs like nothing I’ve ever heard before and I hope to God I never hear them again. This is what breaking sounds like.

He’s shattering in front of me, and I don’t know what to do except be here and hold him. His pain cuts me like a knife and my eyes well with tears. “I’ve got you, baby. I’m here. I’m so, so sorry.” I rock him in my arms.

I don’t fully understand his pain, but I want to... No. I need to. I need to be here for him and help him in any way that I can.

Skylar is one of the strongest people I know, and he’s shattering into pieces in front of my eyes. I’m drowning in his tears and sorrow, wishing I could somehow take away his pain. Make it better.

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