Page 134 of His to Save

ATLAS

I’m damn near ready to crawl out of my skin by the time our mailbox comes into view. I have a single-track mind—the only thing I want is to get Nora comfy and cozy, so I can glue myself to her side until she begs me for space.

Because,fucking hell, how am I supposed to let her out of my sight after this?

She’s safe, you eliminated the threat.He can never hurt her—or anyone else—ever again.

“You excited to be home?” I ask, shaking myself out of my funk as I turn toward my girl, only to freeze at the sight of big, fat tears rolling down her cheeks.

“Shit.” I unbuckle my seat belt and slide across the back seat, tucking her into my side. “What's wrong?”

Heaving sobs rack her small body, as she completely breaks down in the shelter of my arms.

Ellis catches my gaze in the rearview mirror as he turns down our long, winding drive, silently asking if she’s okay.

I lift my brows and shrug, hoping like hell she is.

“I-I just... for a little bit, I didn't think I'd ever be here again. Home. This is my home.” She blinks up at me, her hazel eyes glassy and her pink cheeks slick with tears. “You’re my home.”

“Damn right, I am,” I say before wiping away her still-falling tears and pressing a kiss to the top of her head. Her hair is a matted mess, but I’m more than happy to help her comb through it once she’s showered. “And I always will be. You're safe here, and I promise you, Nora, I'll do my level best to never let anything or anyone hurt you ever again.”

Ellis is so silent behind the wheel, it’s almost like it’s just the two of us back here. It’s a small thing, but I’m thankful for the illusion of privacy as he follows the tree lined path to our house.

“You... you know it's not your fault, right?” Nora asks, her voice so soft and small, and yet so strong.

God, this woman. Almost died today but she’s trying to comfort me. I undoubtedly don’t deserve her, but I’m damn sure going to spend the rest of my life showing her how much she means to me.

“Logically, yes.” I suck in a breath through my teeth. “But a part of me can't help but run the what ifs.”

“Let's just be happy you found me.” Nora sighs and snuggles deeper into my side. “Talk about luck.”

I turn to stone as our house finally comes into view. “About that...” I croak, knowing I have to tell her the truth—no matter what.

“Well…” Ellis throws the car into park, but keeps it running. “Why don't y'all head inside and I'll go pick up dinner.” He shifts uncomfortably, unable to meet Nora’s eyes. “Give y'all time to... get settled... and to talk.”

“Because that’s not ominous or anything,” she mutters as I slide my arm from around her to undo her seat belt.

“Wait here, Pip.” I climb out of the back seat before hauling ass to Nora’s side to get the door for her. “Let’s get you inside and comfy and then we can talk, okay?”

She crosses her arms as she regards me, her nose wrinkling as she stares me down. She’s trying to look tough, but I see just how exhausted she is. “I guess.”

“I love you, Nora. Truly.” I offer her my hand and she takes it, allowing me to help her out of the car. “Just… do me a favor and keep an open mind.”

“That’s my cue,” Ellis says, signaling for me to shut the door. I nudge it closed and then turn my attention to the slip of a woman who’s single-handedly become my everything.

“Shower first and then we can talk?” I ask, as we both watch him drive away.

“No.” She plants her hands on her hips. “You can talk while I shower.”

God, I’m glad she still has her fire. My girl’s strong as hell.“Deal.”

I unlock the door and hold it open for Nora before following behind her into the house, pausing to resecure the lock. Every step feels like an eternity—like I’m stuck in some fucked-up limbo, waiting impatiently to learn my fate.

Beads of sweat dot my hairline, and my blood’s fizzy in my veins as I run through all of the possible reactions Nora may have to learning the truth about how I found her—hurt, betrayal, anger, hatred…

Please, please, please don’t let her hate me.

I enter the bathroom only moments after her, shocked to find her with the water already heating as she struggles to undress.

---