Page 106 of Sage Haven
“Why?”
I sighed, closing my eyes. “I lost everything.”
He was silent a beat. “Everything?”
“My father. My house. My... life.”
“And?” he pressed; voice softer now.
I didn’t want to say it. I didn’t want him to know.
But I was already unraveling.
“My ex.”
His expression darkened.
“Tell me about him.”
“There’s nothing to tell.”
“Don’t lie to me.” His voice snapped around me, dragging the truth out like a splinter beneath my skin. I shook my head, blinking fast, but the tears came anyway.
Memories swelled, crushing me. Klay’s voice in my ear. The pain. The shame.
I broke.
The sob tore free of my throat before I could stop it.
And then Reich was there.
His arms wrapped around me, lifting me like I weighed nothing. He carried me back to the bed and sat me down with a gentleness I didn’t expect. His hand brushed over my hair, down my spine, soothing in a way that made it hurt worse.
“Don’t hide from me,” he murmured.
I hated him for saying it.
Hated myself for listening.
For leaning into him.
For letting him hold me like he might put the pieces back together if he just held tight enough.
“You need to stop letting this own you,” he said.
I wanted to scream at him. You don’t know. You don’t understand.
But instead, I sat there. Silent.
Finally, he sighed. “You can answer my questions later.” He stood, walking to the door.
My voice cracked as it left me. “Can I ask one?”
He turned. His face unreadable. “A deal’s a deal.”
I hesitated. “Until I answer yours... I won’t get mine.”
“Correct.”
