Page 46 of The Fence Between Us

Skye’s jaw clenched and she willed her boiling blood to cool. Rabble wasn’t at fault for any of this. Couldn’t they see he saved her?

“Skye?” Rabble asked. “I’ll be right outside if you want me to step out.” His gaze met hers as he waited for her decision.

How far would he go for her right now? Would he take her away if she asked? Would he stay with her and defy the nurse?

Skye forced her lips into a small smile. “I’m just going to slip on these pants. Give me five seconds.”

He nodded and stepped away, drawing the curtain closed behind him. Skye dressed as quickly as possible, tugging on the pants and fumbling with the drawstring, comforted to be fully covered. True to his word, Rabble returned less than half a minute later.

At the doctor’s direction, she sat atop the examination table and shifted uncomfortably on the crinkling white paper. “I think…” Her voice broke, and she cleared her throat. “I think he drugged me. I don’t remember anything after opening my front door. Until I woke up.”

Skye glanced nervously at Rabble standing stoically by her side, moving as needed to remain out of the doctor’s way. He clenched his jaw, the anger unmistakable in his flashing storm-cloud-gray eyes. While his fury smoldered below the surface, Skye knew he would never direct that violence he kept on such a tight leash, at her.

The doctor returned to the room after a few minutes and leaned against the cabinets in the corner of the room. “At this point, I’m recommending rest. That is the number one cure for everything churning in your brain right now.”

Skye didn’t doubt the doctor’s recommendation. Exhaustion weighed on her, and all she wanted was to close her eyes. She didn’t protest when Rabble gently held her hand and helped her onto her feet, his other hand settling on her lower back protectively. Walking beside him on their way out of the clinic, Skye felt the comforting weight of his warm hand on her back, keeping her steady and warm. As they drove back to Shiloh Hills, she alternated between watching out the side window and observing Rabble’s intense focus as he drove. Before Skye knew it, they were parked in front of her cottage.

Conflicting emotions spun in her head, making her dizzy. She wanted to go inside, desperately so. She wanted to burrow under her covers, in her own bed, with her own things around her,to remember that she was a grown woman with the ability and right to make her own choices.

She also wanted to avoid the place like the plague. She didn’t want to see where Dylan had been, remember what he had done. That she hesitated to go inside at all made her furious. This was her home, dammit. What right did he have to take it away from her?

He didn’t.

Jaw set with determination, Skye threw open the truck door and slid down from the seat, making sure to step lightly on the side runner so she didn’t crumple to the ground completely. The driver’s door opened and shut, and Skye waited until Rabble stood beside her before taking a step toward her home. He stayed next to her, letting her set their pace and offering silent support every step of the way. Skye was pleasantly surprised when her legs supported her and she didn’t land flat on her face. She let herself in the front door, and Rabble followed.

“Elyza and the others came by after we found you and knew it wasn’t Bekah’s ex.” Rabble smiled fondly. “They wanted you to come home to something a bit more calming.”

Skye let go of the breath she’d been holding, and her shoulders felt lighter. Though it was still the dark early morning hours of the night, the scent of lasagna hung heavy in the air, the aroma of melted cheeses and tomato sauce with garlic and other yummy seasonings made her mouth water. A sticky note hung on the fridge, explaining the girls had made dinner and requesting her to call when she was ready. Elyza knew her well. Someone had plugged a new fragrance pack into the kitchen outlet. The wonderfully warm smell of cinnamon rolls paired with the savory aroma lingering from the prepared dinner, a far cry from the sweet floral scent from earlier in the day.

The sense of warmth that enveloped the house lightened something in her chest, and tears stung her eyes. Her entirelife, Skye wished for friends who would have her back no matter what, friends who she could share with, the good and the bad, and they’d expect nothing in return. At one time, Rabble had been that friend, her confidant in everything.

She glanced toward her bedroom, then back to Rabble.

One of the barstools tucked under the peninsula countertop softly scraped the tile floor as Rabble pulled it out and took a seat. “I’m here.”

A small thankful smile turned the corners of her mouth up. “Thank you.”

She struggled not to rush through her bedtime routine, but she changed into fuzzy pajamas and brushed her teeth with extra vigor. She ran a brush through her hair until the strands were neat and shiny, not a tangle in sight, washed her face, and lathered lotion over every inch of skin she could reach. For all the world, Skye felt as normal as possible when she stepped back into the living room where Rabble sat at the kitchen bar as if he had nowhere else to be.

“Better?” he asked, the gentleness of his tone made those pesky tears threaten to spill again.

Skye nodded. “Much.”

Standing, he took his time walking toward her, giving her the space to say no, to tell him to back off or freeze. She stood still, waiting for him, wanting him to come closer, to pull her into his arms. She needed the security, the tenderness of his embrace. But he didn’t pull her to him. Instead, Rabble lovingly traced his thumb along her chin.

“I can’t stay.” His whisper was distressed as he dipped and touched his forehead to hers.

As much as she wanted him with her, she understood. In some ways, she even agreed. Too much had passed between them since they’d been together last. Pain and frustration hadintermixed with love and hope. Emotions that hadn’t been as noticeable before now demanded to be acknowledged.

She nodded, though the thought of him leaving, of being alone, set her heart racing. “I know.” Squeezing her eyes shut, Skye tried to shut out the frustration at the waver in her voice.

Rabble raised their joined hands to his lips, and whispered, “I can call someone if you want? Elyza would jump at the opportunity for a sleepover.”

Skye huffed out a tired laugh, wariness tugging at her insistently. “Yeah, she probably would. Do…do you think she’s awake?”

“She will be. I’ll be here until she comes. You’re safe, baby. You can rest.”

The crawling panic that itched her skin and squeezed her heart lessened some, letting her breathe, albeit unsteadily, again. Her legs wobbled, the sensation of static in her nerves making her need to lie down. Skye nodded, her movements jerking as she headed to her room.

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