Page 58 of Scarred Sins
Ever since we’ve met, he’s been showing me affection and nothing less. He’s taken care of me even when I was not able to, and if I ignore the stalking and the camera in Arson’s collar, it’s perfect. He’s never made me feel unworthy, unappreciated, or unwanted.
“Why would I run away?”
Carefully, I thread my fingers through his hair and start playing with the soft locks. I did the same thing during the car ride, but he was asleep. Now, I’m a little scared of how he’ll react to my sudden touch.
Instead of rejecting it, he completely relaxes next to me, snuggling closer to my side as his eyes close. His grip on my waist remains just as solid, not allowing me to move an inch.
“I don’t know,’’ he breathes out. “But regardless, I’m not letting you leave my side. Now that I’ve found my missing piece, I’m holding onto it. And I’ll be damned if I ever let go.’’
His words leave me in a haze as his breathing evens out, and he falls asleep on my shoulder. The sound of his heartbeat hits my ears, and it’s a perfect melody, as perfect as the piano recordings he’d been sending me. Weirdly enough, those are my most prized possessions.
My curiosity isn’t quite satisfied yet. There are too many questions I want to ask, but Arlo needs proper rest first. My heart aches at the thought of his recovery process, those thoughts of me being to blame for his state still probing into my brain.
While I stroke his hair, and he leans in, nuzzling his head in the crook of my neck, I realize just how desperately I don’t want to leave. And his words from a moment ago just proved that trying to run from him was futile. With him by my side, I’m bound to regain control over my life and put all those demons to rest.
For that, we need to start thoroughly planning and executing our revenge on Adams and Simmons. It’s going to be one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I’ll manage.
As long as we have this harmony between us, nothing is out of reach.
“I’m extremely uncomfortable right now.’’
Immediately, Arlo pumps on the brakes. Luckily for me, I have the seat belt on; otherwise, I might’ve flown right out of the windshield. He turns to look at me, genuine concern flashing behind his gray eyes. At times, they appear to be white, which is creepy, but in a good way.
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“What do you mean, what’s wrong? You’ve just been discharged from the hospital. Let me drive.’’
“Absolutely not,’’ his retort is immediate. “I’d rather die than actually allow you to drive me around.’’
I frown. “Why?”
He shrugs. “I don’t know. The thought of driving you around is very appealing. I like it.’’
“You’ve been shot twice, dumbass. You need total rest. You’ll rip out your stitches.’’
“It’s worth it,’’ he flashes me a toothy grin.
“Anyway,’’ I briefly looked out of the window, knowing this isn’t a fight I’ll win. “Where are we going?”
“Home,’’ Arlo clears his throat. “My parent’s home.’’
“Why?”
“Now that Simmons has made his move and shot me twice, my parents will want to speed up the process of his entire operation. But we can’t do that until you’re mentally and physically prepared.’’
My breath hitches in my throat, and I look at him as if he’d grown a second head. Arlo remains focused on the road, finally driving off from the rushed parked spot in the middle of the highway. He’s not sparing me a glance, a glance that I desperately need.
It’s the fact that I’m about to meet his parents and consequently be under the same roof as three trained hitmen. One wrong move and I’m as good as dead.
“Are your parents aware that we’re heading to their house?”
“Of course,’’ he nodded. “They’re excited to meet you.’’
“Uh-uh, I’m sure they’re thrilled,’’ I draw out.
He chuckles. “They’re happy that we can get this thing moving. If you’re scared, they’ll not rush you into anything. I’d never allow that.’’
Swallowing the unnecessary questions that formed in my head, I decided to focus on more important matters. From the family history that Arlo told me, I don’t doubt that his parents are a couple that is truly devoted to one another, though I barely know anything about them as individuals.
