Page 118 of Only Fate

Her eyes are downcast.

My hand falls from her face when she retreats a step.

When she takes another, a breath leaves me. I capture her hand to stop her and clutch it tight, like a lifeline, because she’s mine.

And, goddamn, do I want to be hers.

I want to make her feel safe with me.

I want her to trust me.

“Adrian,” she whispers.

Without a word, I tighten my hold on her hand and walk us to a bench a few feet away. Our steps are unhurried, and with each one, it’s like she’s contemplating whether to break away and make a run for it.

We sit on the bench at the same time, and I wrap my arm around her.

She doesn’t snuggle into my side, but she does scoot somewhat closer.

Minutes pass, neither of us saying a word.

It’s like right now, silence is what she wants.

What she needs.

Every move she makes is slow.

She rests her head on my shoulder and sighs.

She shuts her eyes and levels her breathing.

“I like this,” she finally says, staring straight ahead as cars pass by.

“What?” I ask, peering down at her.

“Sitting here, saying nothing, being with you.” She sighs. “It reminds me of our history—how, even without saying a word, you always calmed me.”

I twirl a strand of her hair around my finger. “I’m here anytime you want me. Talking, silence, whatever.”

I’m not sure how much time passes as we sit here.

I don’t check my watch or phone.

The longer we’re here, the more I notice the tension leaving Essie’s body.

The same with mine.

Some people need a hot bath to relax.

Others, the gym or their favorite movie.

But Essie and me? We just need each other.

“All right, give the keys up,” Essie says, breaking her silence.

Her voice is more playful than before.

A smile plays on my lips. “No, ma’am.”

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