Page 127 of Ruin

“Trixie, and what?”

I’m scared.

He cups my face and leans his forehead on mine. “I promise you he will never come close to you again. He can’t get close to you, where he is being kept right now.” I wrap my arms around his waist, and close my eyes just wanting to take in his scent. There is nothing else I want right now more than Declan to hold me.

He pulls away from me and holds up two bottles of lotion. “Lileah gave me these, which one do you want?” He opens them and starts smelling them and rolls his eyes. “Not going to like you smelling like my sister.” I laugh and shake my head.

I don’t mind smelling of you,

He places the lotions on the counter and turns to me. “I don’t put on cream.” We walk back out to the bedroom I’ve been sleeping in, and Declan helps me put on my clothes.

I look down at the sweatpants and hoodie. This is not my look at all. I don’t think I’ve ever worn sweatpants before. But Declan is right, at the moment this is going to be more comfortable for me, and gives time for the stitches to heal.

“You look-” I stop him saying anything as I sign.

Horrible.

“You will always look beautiful to me, no matter what you wear.” He leans down and gives me a kiss. “You are the woman I love, the most beautiful woman in the world.”

There is nothing more in the world I need. I have a man who loves me, who I love, and that’s all I want.

Declan told me his parents came back from their trip, and this was not the way I wanted to meet them for the first time. I look like a mess, and I don’t know them. I thought it would have been for a family party or meal anything but this way.

“Let’s get some food in you.” Declan takes my hand in his and we leave the bedroom. We enter the living room, and everyone turns to face us. Walking over to the couch, Mason and Hayden move some pillows for me, and Declan helps me sit down, while Hayden puts a blanket over me.

Thank you.

“Anytime.” I smile at Hayden and Mason. “Don’t get too excited thinking I know sign language, I don’t. Thank you is the only word I know.” Hayden jokes, and sits on the other couch, while Mason sits on the armchair.

“Mom, Dad this is Trixie. Trixie, these are my parents, David and Jane.” Declan introduces me, and I go to get up to say hello, but his mom stops me.

“No, stay where you are.” His mom sits next to me, and stares at me. She doesn’t say anything, just smiles at me. “He got a pretty one. I was always worried he would be single forever.” I laugh, and Declan waves his hands over to Mason.

“He’ll be the single one,” he tells us all, making everyone agree with him. “Maybe even him.” He points to Miles, who tells Declan to fuck off then throws his phone to Declan, who smiles at whatever it is on there.

“Shall I get you some lunch, what would you like?” Declan’s mom asks me, and I look up at Declan.

I’m not hungry.

You have to eat something.Declan signs at me.Something small.

Soup?

“You two are going to be so fucking annoying.” Mason snaps, and Declan laughs, then turns back to me.

We totally could have fun winding these three up.I shake my head at him, I’m not doing that, but I know he will do it just for fun.

“Mom, she would like some soup.” Then he turns back to me as he sits next to me. “Don’t be scared to talk to us. Everyone here will always listen to you.” He kisses my cheek and gives Miles his phone back. It’s not that they won’t listen to me, I’m still trying to find the words to say myself, I’ve stayed quiet for so long now I don’t even know how to say a sentence. I hope everyone in this room will understand and won’t push me to speak until I’m ready.

“I will get some for you,” Jane gets up and walks to the kitchen.

I look over at Lileah smiling at me, and tap Declan to get his attention.Ask Lileah if she would still like me to design her prom dress.

As long as you still wear yours.He signs to me.

I would love to go with you.I lean my head on his shoulder, and then he asks Lileah for me.

“Of course I do, but only when you get back to full health,” Lileah tells me, and sits next to me. Declan intertwines his fingers with mine and continues talking with his brothers. “It’s a silly question, but how are you?”

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