Page 90 of Durango

Footsteps grow louder behind me as someone is running toward me. I turn to face whoever it is.

Axel.

“Hey, what happened upstairs?”

Great. This isn’t something I want to talk about.

“I hate to butt into your business, but since we are trying to keep them safe, I need to know what’s going on.”

If anyone would understand, I guess it’s Axel. “Willow has been seeing a therapist because of everything she went through. She suggested I see one, too. I said no. It didn’t go well.”

A weird sound comes out of Axel, and I glance up. He’s trying hard but failing to suppress a grin.

“What the fuck?” I ask.

“I’m sorry. I’m just picturing your face when she suggested therapy for you.”

“This isn’t funny.”

“Oh, it kind of is. You’re a rock, the last person I’d ever see open up and talk to a stranger. I’m guessing you probably said hell no a little harshly?”

“Since when did being a rock become a bad thing?” I ask, ignoring his question.

“Look, I’m no expert at relationships, but I do know if you want real intimacy with someone, you have to be willing to be vulnerable.”

I glare at him. “What the hell do you mean by that?”

He shrugs. “Share your innermost fears and secrets.”

I run my hands through my hair. “I don’t have fears. I jump out of planes for my job.”

“No fears? You didn’t fear losing Piper when her ex went after her? Or losing Ozzie if he dated her? Or losing anyone else after your father died?”

I sigh. “Yeah, but I had reason to fear those things. Anyone else would have, too. Plus, I told Willow about what happened to Piper.”

He nods. “Did you tell her how it made you feel?”

Hell no. She wouldn’t want to know how badly I wanted to murder John. That would only scare her.

“I’ve known you a long time. Losing your dad hit you hard. Since then, you’ve become much more protective of those you care about. I get it. You’re scared to lose anyone else. I think that’s why Hawthorne’s death was so hard on you.”

It did hurt like hell. It brought up all the memories of losing my dad all over again.

“I’m guessing Willow hasn’t seen your vulnerable side. Let her in if you want a future with her.”

“Thanks. I’ll think about it.”

“And can you think about it back at my place? CT texted me that you are supposed to be resting.”

He’s right. I need to stop pushing myself. Maybe some quiet time with Willow is what we need. Well, until Tyler shows his face again.

CHAPTER 27

Willow

Samantha hands me another tissue.Since Durango left, I’ve been in this guest room crying. And not nice crying. No, ugly sobbing. I’m sure my eyes are red and swollen by now. My nose feels raw. Despite that, I can’t stop.

“It’s like I turned on a faucet, and it broke,” I say. “I can’t stop crying.”

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