Page 29 of One Little Mistake
Something in her voice destroys one corner of the wall I’ve built around my heart. I haven’t wanted to care for someone other than my immediate family in years, and I’d give my left nut to crawl through this door and hold her.
This has messy written all over it.
Chapter 12
Lexi
Anever-ending nightmare? Jesus, Lexi. Why the hell did I just say that out loud?
“Open the door, Lex.”
“Not today, East.”
“Can you go back to sleep?”
“Eventually.” I don’t admit that it’ll take me hours to fall back asleep now, but apparently, Easton is learning my tells as quickly as I am his.
“Okay, so what do you want to talk about?”
“What?” I screech. “No, go to bed. It’s late.”
“You first.”
“Fine, I will,” I lie again, making no effort to move.
“Did today have something to do with your nightmare?” His voice is full of remorse, and I suddenly realize he’s beating himself up for my mess.
“It could have happened, regardless,” I admit quietly.
The door shakes with a loud thump. Judging by the location, I assume he just banged his head against the door.
“Hard head?”
“Jesus, Lexi. I’m so sorry. I’m so used to being alone. I just reacted. I went back for you, but you’d already left. I should never have left you with those monsters.”
I know I shouldn’t ask questions. I don’t want to share my story, but my curiosity gets the better of me, and I can’t stop myself.
“Who are they?”
Easton is silent for so long I don’t think he’ll answer. “Listen, I’m—”
“Once upon a time, Dillon was my family. Pacen is harder to explain. She … she’s the sister of someone I thought I knew.”
Someone he thought he loved is what I hear.
“Where is she now?”Ugh, Lexi. I just can’t stop the questions now that I’ve started.
More silence.
“She died. About eight years ago. I lost her and my best friend all in the same night.”
My brain takes longer to comprehend what he just said than my body because I’m already in motion. I rip the door open so fast that East falls over and lands on his back between my feet.
“If I needed to grovel for an apology, there are less impactful ways of telling me.” He grins, but I only see the sadness in his eyes.
I drop to my knees just as he sits up.
“East, I’m … Geez, I’m so sorry.”
