Page 40 of His to Save

“I’m sure it won’t be a problem,” Scarlet says, her eyes pinging back and forth between Ellis and me before settling onNora. “Do you want to give me your number so I can text you about everything?”

“Could you text Atlas instead?” She glances back at me over her shoulder. “I don’t have a phone.”

“Yup.” Scarlet’s eyes flare as she looks my way. “Not a problem.”

Nora’s relief is palpable, to the point where even my shoulders relax a little.

“There’s just one more thing,” I say, hoping it’s something they can accommodate. “Her appointment needs to be completely private. I’m talking off the books and during lunch or something. I don’t want anyone in that office other than you and your doc even knowing she was there.”

Scarlet’s looking at me like I’ve lost my mind, but I can’t find it in me to care. “That’s a big ask, but I’ll do my best.”

“Gonna need better than your best, Scar. I need to know that Nora’s safe. Especially since we don’t know where my dad is.”

She runs her fingers through her long hair before flipping it behind her shoulder. “Got it.” She turns her attention to Ellis. “Y’all are looking for him, right?”

“Yeah, we are.” He nods, his eyes locked onto the woman at my side as he puzzles something out. “Hey, Nora, can I ask you something kind of random?”

She glances up at him with wide eyes and nods.

“When was the last time you ate?”

Shame immediately flares to life inside of me. I’ve been with her since last night and not once did it occur to me to feed her.

Some protector I am,I think bitterly.

“Today, I um, I had some chips while you stepped outside.”

“Chips.” I parrot the word back to her, feeling lower than low. “Fuck, Pip. You’ve got to be starving, why didn’t you say anything?”

She shrugs, refusing to look my way.

“Nora.” I brush my fingers against her knee, causing her to startle, her hazel eyes flying up to mine. “I meant it when I said you were safe with me, and part of being safe means your needs are being met. The thought of you being cold or hungry or without medical care—” My words halt as I suck in a deep breath, as I try to regain control of my emotions. “I can’t stand it.”

The room is quiet enough you could hear a pin drop. Maybe later I’ll feel weird over my outburst, but for now I’m on a roll. “Anything in that kitchen is free game. I don’t care if it’s the last Oreo—you want it, eat it. You’re cold? Turn up the heat. Tired? Take a nap. Anything you want, Nora, just tell me and I’ll do my best to make it happen.”

“I can’t.” She shakes her head as she wraps her arms around herself. “This is your house, and I?—”

“What’s mine is yours, Nora, for as long as you need.”

Scarlet gasps, but I’m too focused on the trembling redhead at my side to pay her any mind.

Tears gather along Nora’s lash line and her lower lip wobbles, but she doesn’t actually cry.So damn strong.

“Honestly, I’m just really tired.” She rubs her eyes. “It’s been so long since I’ve been able to truly sleep. I think…if it’s okay, I mean… I’d like to lie down for a bit.”

“What did I tell you?” I ask, crossing my arms over my chest. “You don’t need my permission, Pip. You want something—take it.”

“Okay.” She stands from the couch. “Maybe after I rest I can fix y’all some dinner?”

“Absolutely not,” Ellis says, reading my mind. “We’ll throw something together and wake you up when it’s ready.”

“Are you sure?” Her eyes flit back to mine, like it’smyapproval she’s truly after.

“Positive.” I can’t wait for the day when she’s bossing me around, all assertive and shit. It’s going to be glorious.

“Do you think I could have my diary back?” She nibbles her lower lip as she looks over at Ellis. “You know, if you’re finished with it.”

“Yep.” He hops from his chair and grabs it from the dining room, passing it to her on his way to his chair.

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