Page 51 of Let Me In

“It’s late. You’re tired.”

She starts to shift, already moving like she’s going to leave, even though every inch of her is saying stay. I see it in the way her fingers clutch the edge of the blanket.

“I can head out,” she murmurs.

I lift my hand—close, not touching. Just enough to stop the motion.

“You could stay,” I say.

She freezes.

No pressure. No edge in my voice. But something steadier underneath. Something I can’t quite hide.

I clear my throat. “If you wanted to. No pressure. I can take the couch.”

She blinks up at me, dazed. “Really?”

I nod. “It’s no trouble.”

The truth is, it would be trouble. Trouble not to have her here. Trouble to let her leave when I haven’t figured out what the hell that car was doing on the ridge. When I don’t know who’s watching, or why.

But I don’t say that.

I just look at her. Let her see whatever’s written on my face. Let her make the call.

She whispers it, so quiet I almost miss it.

“Okay.”

Relief slips through me. Not visible. But real.

“Good,” I say gently, then straighten. “Come on, baby. I’ll get you something to sleep in.”

She follows with minimal hesitation, and something loosens deep in my gut—quiet, subtle, but enough to breathe easier.

I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath until she said it. Until she agreed to stay.

Not because I didn’t think she’d want to.

Because I don’t know what I’d do if she didn’t.

My mind is already moving a hundred miles ahead even as my body stays still. Measured. Calm.

She stays with me, small and quiet in her blanket, feet light on the floor.

I keep my expression neutral. Keep my steps slow, deliberate. But inside?

Inside, I’m burning.

My fists curl tight at my sides, jaw clenched so hard it aches. The fire doesn’t flare; it simmers. Controlled. Dangerous. Waiting.

That car—no plates. Tinted windows. Lurking. Watching. And she walked here.Alone. In thedark.

I saw it. I felt it.

And if it’s tied to me—if some remnant of my old life is clawing its way back up from the dirt—I’ll end it.

Before it ever touches her.

---