Page 16 of Drop Three

I’m not responding.

“You’re staying here. Don’t test me on that.”

My lips curl in a deceptive smile.

We’ll see about that…

5

BODHI

Bodhi:Where are you?

Navy:Wouldn’t you like to know?

Bodhi:We discussed you staying here.

Navy:HA! You discussed it with yourself. I never agreed to anything. I don’t need you worrying about me, catcher. I’m doin’ fine.

Bodhi:Tell me where you are.

Navy:Please tell me why my location is so important to you.

Bodhi:I told Cal I’d look out for you.

Navy:*sent an image

A photo of an all too familiar dog pops up.

Bodhi:Only for the night?

Navy:No. Until I can find somewhere more permanent. & not with a house full of testosterone.

Bodhi:Fine. Night.

I’d liketo say I’m relieved Navy found a place to stay, but I’m no liar. It took everything inside me not to riot like a lunatic after hearing how Jared treated her. He thought he could kiss her without her consent.

Fuck that.

She has every right to refuse affection she doesn’t want. Jared may not have sexually violated her, but he did in a way that gave her no choice, and that makes it just as bad in my book.

For a woman as strong and independent as Navy, she struggles with the idea that others may see her as less than perfect.

Real life is the farthest thing from perfect. Hell, I’m a walking testimony to that.

If only she could see what I see in her—a fighter. A woman who is tough as nails but severely underestimates her level of command.

Her love for life is intoxicating, but her need to please will be her greatest downfall.

Her failure to accept my help looks like mine.

If only I could be the one to care for her. I ruined my chances of that in Fiji, and it’s for the best. I will say I surprised myself at the protectiveness that crashed over me when she showed up at my door.

She was right to insist on leaving. Since the veil tore between us, we’ve done nothing but bicker and get on each other’s nerves. I would never want her to think I suddenly despise her. It’s quite the opposite. I know if I allow myself even the smallest piece of her, I’ll accept no less than the whole damn thing.

My mental health is my focus, and it should stay that way.

Navy has an older brother who can be her knight in shining armor. I’ll keep my distance and look out for her from afar.

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