Page 52 of Deeper

“Why did you leave?”

“I don’t think I’m really meant to stay in one place for too long.”

“Do you miss it? Home?”

“Not in the least. Nevada isn’t my home.” Again, the truth comes, and it feels strange. I have spent the last ten years spinning lies and hiding who I am.

“Do you have family?”

“No.” I hand her another truth.

“Me neither. My family was taken from me years ago.” Her words come out in a faint whisper.

“What do you mean?”

But nothing, except for silence, stretches between us. I jostle Rylan, and she lets out a soft, little snore. As gently as I can, I stand while making sure she doesn’t sink down into the water. I lift her into my arms, carry her soaking wet body into bed, and then grab two towels to dry us. Once she’s dry, I pull the covers over her before sliding into bed. She cuddles in closer to me when I kiss her forehead, and I close my eyes.

I was going to prove I didn’t need the club to get Rylan off, but instead, I think we’ve proven it isn’t just the getting off that we like about one another. That’s a sobering fucking thought.

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