Page 48 of Make Me Trust Again
“It’s dark outside,” he says, a deep frown etched between his brows as if it just now dawned on him how late it is. “Is Mom okay?”
Shit.
I was fucking this up and royally.
“I’m sure she just overslept.” I try to reassure him. “Why don’t you stay with Shadow, and I’ll?—”
Kyle shakes his head. “I have to go home.”
Fuck.
“Bye, Shadow.” He gives Shadow another scratch between the ears before he goes for the door.
Running my hand over my face, I let it drop and tap the side of my leg. “C’mon, Shadow.”
I can’t let the kid go alone. Not when I have no idea of what the hell he might find when he gets there.
The dog runs in front of me, catching up to the boy in no time. I hurry up my pace, trying to come up with a plan to distract him while I try to figure out what the hell is going on. Kyle looks over his shoulder at me.
“I’ll come with you. You shouldn’t be walking in the dark on your own.”
He nods, and I can see his body relax a little bit. He’s trying to act all brave, but he’s clearly worried. I place my hand on his shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “She’s fine.”
What if she’s not?The little voice at the back of my head taunts, but I push it back as we come to the cottage.
Kyle’s steps falter as we come closer, so I turn around and crouch down so we’re at the same level. He bites at his lower lip, his gaze darting over my shoulder toward the house before returning to me. There is uncertainty and a little bit of fear on his face that’s hard to miss. He’s trying so hard to stay strong. I know because I’ve done the very same thing one too many times when I was younger.
“Shadow needs to do her business. Why don’t you look out for her while she does that, and I’ll go inside to check in on your mom? She really doesn’t like to be alone, so that would be a big help.”
“I don’t know.” Kyle looks down at the dog as he thinks over my offer. “I don’t want Shadow to be alone, but Mom will be worried if I don’t come home.”
“I’ll tell her you’re doing me a favor, and you’ll be back in no time. How’s that?”
Finally, after what feels like forever, Kyle nods. “Okay. I guess I can stay with her. But only for a little bit.”
I pat his shoulder. “Thanks, buddy.”
Straightening, I give Shadow the command to go do her business, and with one last glance at the two of them, I slip inside the house.
“Rose?” I call out, not wanting to startle her, but there is no answer. So I move to the back of the house, flipping on the light in the hallway. “Rose, are y?—”
The words die on my lips when I see her lying on the couch. Her eyes are closed, blanket tucked around her as she sleeps, curled on her side.
I let out a shaky breath as I walk around the table.
She looks so freaking small lying like this. Her face is pale, and since she’s not wearing any makeup, it’s easy to notice the dark circles under her eyes and the splotches of red on her cheeks.
Leaning down, I press my hand against her forehead, a stream of curses coming out when I feel the heat radiating off her skin. She’s burning up, the fever making her whole body shake slightly under the blanket.
Rose lets out a soft groan, her eyes blinking open. They’re hazy from sleep and fever, and it takes a bit for the recognition to set in.
“Ch-Chase?”
“Shh, I’ve gotcha, sweetheart.” I brush a sweaty strand out of her face.
“Wh-what—” Her voice is raspy, the words barely audible as she clears her throat and tries again. “What are you doing here?”
“You haven’t come to pick up Kyle.”
