Page 73 of Save Me
I laugh and cup his face, kissing him briefly. He gives me a serious stare and my blood runs a bit cooler.
“Aaron told us what you said about your mum. Are you sure that’s what you want?”
“Yeah,” I huff. “I don’t want excuses or, worse, the truth about how much she resented me. Who needs to hear that?”
“True. So, you’re happy? Truly happy?”
I consider his question for a while. “Yeah, I think I am. With you guys, I mean. It’s fucked up, and it’s not how I imagined my life would be, but when am I ever alone? When do I ever feel unloved or unprotected? Never, that’s when.”
Cal pulls me closer to him, our bodies aligning perfectly. “That’s all we want for you—to be happy, safe with us. No matter what shit the world throws at us.”
I can feel his heartbeat steady against mine, a comforting rhythm in this messed-up world. His fingers trace patterns on my back as we lie there in silence, the weight of the day slowly lifting. He doesn’t need to say anything; his presence is enough.
But I can’t shake the feeling that this is only a lull in the storm. That outside these walls, danger still waits like a predator – patient, silent, deadly. My mind whirls with strategies and plans, the same way it did back in Westfield when I had to be three steps ahead just to survive.
“You’re thinking too hard,” Cal observes, and I realise I’ve been gnawing at my lower lip.
“Just trying to stay ahead of the game,” I respond. He understands; we both know there’s always another play, another threat looming.
For a moment, I let myself forget about the dangers of this life, focusing solely on his steady and reassuring heartbeat against my ear.
“Go back to sleep,” he urges softly. “I’ll watch over you.”
I close my eyes, willing myself to believe that, for now, at least, we’re safe. But I can’t rest, not now. Not now there’s work to be done. I sit up again. “I think I’m going to have to go back to Crestmont, carry on studying full time there. You guys are going to need all hands on deck if things are as tight as you say they are.”
He shakes his head, eyes narrowed. “You’re going to have to discuss that with your dad. It’s not for me to give you any ideas either way.”
I nod and stand up. Quickly showering so I can face my dad decent and not looking like I was shagged by four guys not that long ago, I dress quickly and head down with Callum right behind me.
I find Dad in his office, shuffling through papers. “You’re nuts, you know that?” I bark at him.
“I’m fine.”
“You were shot.”
“I have been before and will be again. I’m fine.”
Grimacing at him as Callum ducks out, closing the door behind him so we can have some privacy, Dad finally looks up. “What?”
“Do you have a fucking death wish or something?” I spit out, my hands on my hips as I glare at him. “Jumping in front of bullets is not normal, Dad!”
He gives me a wry smile, tinged with pain. “You’re my daughter. What did you expect me to do? Let them take youout?” His voice is rough, the strain of his injury obvious despite his tough front.
I shake my head, frustration boiling over. “No, but, yes… maybe?—”
“No,” he cuts me off. “I did what needed to be done. End of story.”
I take a deep breath, trying to calm the storm inside me. It’s pointless arguing with him when he’s like this – stubborn and immovable. But there’s something else I need to say, something that’s been nagging at me since the ambush.
“I haven’t said it yet... thank you,” I manage, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze again. “For saving my life.”
The room is suddenly thick with emotion, and Aaron McGowan has the grace to look surprised for a second before his face softens.
“You don’t have to thank me for that,” he says quietly.
“Yes, I do. Because...” My throat feels tight as I struggle with the words. “Because I love you, okay? Despite everything.”
The vulnerability hanging between us is almost tangible. He nods slowly, an uncharacteristic gentleness in his eyes.
