Page 54 of A Place Like You

“He’s not Cain,” Finn breaks through my thoughts and brings up my ex.

I had been more concerned about Vincent, but I refrain from saying so. Instead, I inquire, “How do you know he’s not?”

“It’s my job to know that. I wouldn’t keep the family among civilians if I knew any of them were sociopaths.”

“I can’t just let him into my life and see if this works out,” I mumble, unsure if I’m talking to Finn or simply thinking aloud.

“That’s up to you, but just remember, life is short. Call your friends, so they can babysit Milo and go talk to him.”

“Since you’re so invested, you could come help,” I tease, attempting to lighten the heavy conversation.

“Though I’d love to help, we’re in Seattle for the unforeseeable future.”

“You’re not taking care of your sociopaths?” I joke, hoping to elicit a smile.

He chuckles. “They’re normal, broken people who need a reality check, but they’re harmless. Also, we have plenty of personnel at HQ to watch over them. But if you need anything, holler, okay?”

“I probably will,” I admit, grateful for his unwavering support.

* * *

I sent a text to the group chat. Regina is the first to arrive at my house shortly after I text my friends. She doesn’t ask any questions, simply urges me to hurry up before my carriage turns into a pumpkin. As I approach the cabins where the Kershaws are staying, I spot a man by the firepit. It doesn’t take me long to recognize him. It’s Drake. He turns around as I come closer, and a sad smile tugs at his lips.

“Hey,” I greet him.

He slightly tilts his head, silently urging me to continue.

“My sister used to say that our biggest problem was that we were starved for love,” I begin, my voice trembling with vulnerability. “We just want people to love us, to feel cherished.”

Drake remains still, his eyes fixed on me as if waiting for more.

I swallow hard, gathering the courage to continue. “All my relationships have been a disaster.”

“Including Milo’s dad,” he states with a hint of understanding.

I shake my head because that’s an entirely different subject that I might have to tackle today too.

“I was doing my residency in Baltimore, John Hopkins.” My gaze drops to the ground momentarily before meeting his eyes again. “I thought I met someone there, but things took a turn for the worse.”

He furrows his brows, puzzled. “I thought you said Denver?”

I bite my lip, a mixture of shame and regret flooding through me. “Yes, I did. I moved to Denver after everything that happened in Baltimore with Cain.”

I press my lips together, taking a deep, cleansing breath. “So, as I was saying, I met this guy who came to my ER. He was handsome, older, and successful. He said the right words, and I fell for him.”

He was an older man, about thirty, handsome, with an air of confidence and authority. He had a presence that I was drawn to, like he had power and knowledge that I wanted. So, even though I was scared and uncertain, I kept seeing him. We would go out, just the two of us, and he would buy me dinner, drinks, and gifts. I thought he loved me, and I felt special, like something was happening between us.

Fidgeting with the sleeve of my sweater, I muster the courage to continue. “He gave me what I was missing—love. It’s something I always craved, you know. Even after enduring broken relationships, I couldn’t see that I was falling for the wrong man.

“Cain had a temper. He was jealous, possessive, and . . . I missed the signs because I had what I craved—love and attention,” I mumble, my voice barely audible. “It all started with verbal abuse and ended with me in the hospital, facing the risk of losing an eye and suffering several broken bones.”

His jaw twitches, but he remains quiet, allowing me to continue.

“You and your brothers reminded me of him. It’s not fair to compare you, but after all the toads that have hurt me, I decided to close myself up to relationships.”

Drake’s eyes narrow, showing his concern and curiosity. “Where does Milo’s dad fall into this story?”

He doesn’t, but if I’m going to give us a chance, he has to know.

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