Page 68 of Fragile Sanctuary

“Look who I found,” Lolli called from the doorway, mischief in her voice.

I peeked around Trace to find a deer-in-the-headlights Anson being dragged behind my eighty-three-year-old second grandma. His eyes were comically wide as he took in all the people.

Keely climbed up onto a stool at the counter to get a better look. “Are you my supergran’s new boyfriend?”

Kye choked on a sip of orange juice as Nora let out a strangledsound. Fallon covered her mouth to try to hold in her laughter, but Shep just snorted as he glanced their way.

“What a catch, A,” Shep called.

Color hit Anson’s cheeks, but Lolli just cackled as she patted his chest. “I’m not sure I could keep up with this one.” She winked at him. “But I’d sure like to try.”

“Someone please bleach my brain,” Trace begged.

Lolli smacked him upside the head as she passed. “I don’t need any of that sass, young man.”

We all filed into some sort of chaotic line to get breakfast. All my siblings teased Anson mercilessly but were soon distracted by the spread that Nora and Lolli had put together. There were waffles with all the trimmings. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. Nutella, whipped cream, and sprinkles. Maple and marionberry syrup. And, of course, bacon and sausage.

We scattered across the living space, taking up every available surface to eat on. At least four different conversations had erupted, with all the distractions under the sun. Yet I kept seeking out one person.

Anson hovered near the outskirts, perching a plate on the end of the kitchen island. He watched the scene play out as if it were a movie. But as each moment went by, more and more shadows gathered in his eyes.

Shep’s words echoed in my head.“The shit Anson’s dealt with…it’s dark. Darker than anything we’ve seen.”

Anson quietly slid his plate into the sink before slipping down the hallway. No one seemed to notice, as if he were practiced in moving like a ghost. But I saw him.

Pushing to my feet, I followed him down the hall. I quickly slipped on shoes and headed out into the sunshine.

Anson was already halfway across the lot, and I jogged to catch up. “Anson,” I called.

His shoulders stiffened, but he slowed, turning around to face me.

I came to a stop just in front of him. I didn’t say anything; simply searched his face, trying to uncover the secrets he’d buried so deep.

Anson’s gruff voice cut through the early morning light, so in opposition to the sunshine. “You should get back to your family.”

I frowned at him. “You’re hurting.”

He opened his mouth as though he were about to argue, then closed it again, his gaze drifting toward the mountains. “I’m always hurting. I’m used to it.”

I reached out, my fingers curling around his. I felt the bumps and ridges of calluses, maybe a scar. Anson jerked, shocked at the simple touch. But I didn’t let go. When was the last time someone had touched him with simple kindness? I didn’t think I wanted to know the answer.

I looked up into those swirling, fathomless eyes. “You shouldn’t be alone in it.”

A muscle fluttered in Anson’s cheek. “Alone is the only way it doesn’t taint someone else.”

20

ANSON

Her hand burned.The feel of those long, slender fingers curved around mine seared me to the spot. It had been so long since I’d felt any sort of comfort like this—the feeling was completely foreign.

Rho looked up at me, those hazel eyes swirling. “Pain can’t taint others. That’s not how it works.”

She was wrong. The ugliness I’d faced wasn’t any sort of normal pain. And the events of last night had stirred it all up again.

Rho squeezed my hand, bringing me back to her. To the here and now. “But someone can help you carry the load. Whatever you’ve been through, I know it’s heavy.”

My throat constricted. Some part of me wanted to lay it all at Rhodes’ feet. To tell her every fucked-up detail. But I couldn’t stand the thought of seeing disgust in those gorgeous eyes.

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