Page 287 of Chandelier Sin
Then, an awakening happens. The veil of truth is lifted, and you see the world for what it is.
For me, I’d wanted a brighter future for my daughter. Now, I realized I should have wanted this for myself, too.
I was worthy of love, but the man I wanted seemed out of reach in so many ways.
I’d been terrified Atticus might say those three little words back to me and not mean them, believing they were what I needed to hear. Perhaps I was merely a conduit to his own healing.
Hearing the front door opening, I left Eloise sleeping and headed downstairs.
Atticus stood in his living room waiting for me, no surprise in his expression. He had guessed this was where I’d be. He raised Eloise’s white rabbit to show me he’d found it.
I rushed over to him, and he wrapped his arms around me, hugging me tight, still holding the bunny and not letting it go.
“You okay?” he asked.
“I was afraid to text you.”
“I guessed as much.”
“I’ll get a new phone,” I said, pulling away, and already pining for his body warmth.
“I just got a new one recently.” He winked. “I know a guy.”
“You’ll never let me live that down.”
“Maybe one day.” He followed that up with a smile. “Can I get you anything?”
“No, I’m fine.”
“Mi casa es su casa.”
I wanted to tell him we wouldn’t be a bother. We wouldn’t stay long. But those words trembled on my tongue and wouldn’t break free.
“Eloise is asleep upstairs?” he asked.
I nodded. “I should have put her in the guest bedroom, but I wasn’t thinking.”
“She’s fine where she is.” He handed me the bunny.
I clutched it to my chest, fingers buried in the soft fur. It was more than an object, it was a tangible link to my daughter, and to him now, too.
I resisted yawning even as the tiredness pulled me down. “How’s Greyson?”
Atticus let out a relieved sigh. “He’s in good hands.”
“What happened?”
“He thought he’d ruined the rescue plan. Took a hard hit psychologically.”
“Amelia betrayed him.”
“I’m afraid so.”
“Stella?” I asked. “Jake’s girlfriend?”
“She has Cameron’s approval and that’s all I need.”
“He’s a remarkable man. And so are you, Atticus.”
