Page 31 of Those That Don't Exist
I remember to respond to his questions.
“I don’t know what you mean.” My voice is steadier than I thought it would be.
“Red, I can see you’re crying. Please tell me why?” He softly applies a little pressure to my shoulder so I have to turn toface him. My gaze meets his and through watery eyes I see the concern pouring from those deep blue irises.
“My life’s a mess right now.” My voice isn’t strong this time.
Ty simply folds me into his arms. I’m immediately aware of being surrounded by his scent, his muscular body. We’ve had one conversation, this should be awkward as hell, but it isn’t. I can’t stop the sobs as my body relaxes into his embrace.
“Sshhh, it’s ok. It’ll be ok.” He holds me against him, resting his head on the top of mine. He lets me just cry into him, it's a cathartic release. I’ve not let anyone see me this vulnerable since my dad died.
Eventually, the tears slow and he pulls back, although keeps his hands on my arms. I want to push straight back into his chest. Instead, I wipe my face with my own jumper sleeve to dry the tears. I must look so bad right now. He must think me crazy.
“I’m sorry,” I whimper.
“Don’t be.” He brushes his hand down my arm. “I’m just concerned. What’s wrong?” He sounds like he genuinely cares.
“Claire’s not speaking to me. I took the wrap for you for David’s fall. She thinks I hurt her brother. And it feels like everyone on campus is talking about me again. A group of people were sitting behind me and saying…” I can’t finish the sentence. “I got freaked out and ran. That’s without what I really felt like doing to David. I feel like I’m going insane every time I think about it.” I quietly spill everything I’ve been stressing about. Ty just listens.
“What were they saying?” he asks when I’m finished. “The people upstairs, what did they say?”
“Dumb shit really. I shouldn’t let it get to me. They also recognised me from this summer…” I trail off as I realise what I was about to say. I don't know if Ty has seen my story in the press, or heard about it through the student gossip.
“From you being in a car wreck?” Any hope of him not knowing dies.Great, he’ll pity me like everyone else.I close my eyes and nod.
A low growl erupts from Ty. I look up to find a blazing fury in his eyes and his jaw locked tight.
“Are you a shifter?” I question him. His growl is so animalistic it reminds me of the wolf shifters. Not that I’ve met one as the only remaining pack lives in the Northern Isles but they’re active on social media.
“No. Not a shifter,” he says with a shake of his head. The anger disappears into a wry smile. “It would be fun though, ripping into those pricks with fangs and claws.” His face goes murderous, it makes me chuckle which seems to surprise him.
“Me talking of murder makes you laugh?” He raises an eyebrow, moving a palm behind me so I’m trapped against the bookcase. It reminds me of the fence the other night.
“You joking about it? Yes, although it's a bit of an overreaction.”
“I’m not joking,” he says with real sincerity in his voice, “anyone who hurts you deserves to be put through pain.”
There’s no joking tone in his voice, or his expression. I don't know how to react. Before I can, he breaks the silence between us.
“I’m sorry but I should go.”
“Already?” Sadness washes through my chest, I like being cocooned by this guy. He makes me feel like the world has been put behind glass. It's still there but it's shut out. Just for a little while, I can breathe easier.
“I’m sorry, I wasn’t even planning on talking to you today.”
Ok, ouch.I must visibly wince because he quickly adds
“Don’t pout, little Red, I need to get some other things done so I can talk to you like I said I would the other night. I havedeadlines to meet, but later in the week I should be able to manage a couple of hours.”
How had I forgotten he’d promised me an explanation.
“You’ll tell me everything.” I make it a statement, not a question.
“Yes. I’m sorry you’ve had to lie, I’m even more sorry for the pain it’s causing you to keep our little rendezvous a secret, but you mustn’t tell anyone.” He’s suddenly edgy, like he needs to get away.
“When can we meet again?” I try to demand but my voice is still a little weak.
“Can I have your phone?” he asks, putting out his hand. I do as he says, unlocking it first. He takes it and opens a new contact, putting in his details.
