Page 42 of Erik's Redemption
She lifted a shoulder. “Honestly, I don’t know.”
Henry didn’t know the exact details of Erik’s job, so she hadn’t been able to share what he’d done. No matter how upset she was, she couldn’t betray him like that. But shehadrevealed that it had something to do with Nico’s death. That Erik’s job had given him intel into Nico’s past that she just couldn’t believe. And she ultimately told both Henry and Brigid what that intel said about the man she’d considered a brother.
“I’ve had an entire week to think about what Erik told me, but still none of it feels real.” She ran her finger over the cloud charm on her bracelet. “A week ago, I was so certain Erik was wrong about what Nico did.So surethat he’d received incorrect information. But little things have been pricking at my mind these last few days…”
Henry cocked his head. “Like what?”
“For one, Nico’s apartment. He went from foster care to living in a penthouse apartment in Bellevue. And whenever I asked what he was doing for work…he never really answered my question. Just gave me half answers about setting up a business.”
Henry frowned. “Yeah, that’s suspicious as hell.”
“There were also changes in him before he died. He didn’t seem to want me coming around as much. He also seemed tobe keeping parts of his life secret. Still…I just can’t imagine him recruiting women to be exploited so horribly.” Her gaze fell to the cloud charm.
“Is Erik still contacting you?”
She nodded. “He’s been texting me every day, asking if I’m okay. I haven’t been able to bring myself to respond because, honestly, I don’t know what to do or think. But he still messages.”
“Do you love him?”
Her gaze rose. “It’s not that simple.”
“Yes, it is. Do you love him?”
“Henry—”
“Answer the dang question, Hannah.”
“Yes. You know I do.” Her love for him was so deeply ingrained that part of her felt like it was missing without him.
“Thenlovehim. Don’t turn one tragedy into two.”
A tear rolled down her cheek. She was so sick of crying, but this last week had taken everything out of her. “But if I forgive him, it feels like I’m betraying Nico.”
“You’re not. You’re choosing to live and love.”
She swallowed. “My head knows that. But my heart’s so unbelievably conflicted.”
“Luckily, the heart often comes around.” He leaned forward and kissed her head. “You still leaving today?”
She nodded. “Bags are all packed. After work, I’ll go straight home.”
Reuben had been really great. She’d told him she was going through some personal issues, and her boss, Taylor, and Leo had all banded together to help wherever they could. God, she was grateful to work with such good people.
“Remember, you’ve always got a room here if you need it.” He nodded toward the door. “And Owen’s out there making you breakfast.”
Owen hadn’t been around much during the last week, opting to give her privacy and alone time with her friends, but the couple times he’d come over, he’d taken just as good care of her as Henry. “I don’t deserve youorhim.”
“No one deserves me, but I sprinkle my Henry magic anyway.”
She chuckled. Only Henry could make her laugh at a time like this.
He smoothed some hair from her face. “Before I go, I want you to know that my official stance on this is that I think you should talk to him.”
“I’m scared.” The two honest words dropped from her lips before she could stop them.
“Of course you are. It’s normal to feel fear when things are this important. Fear protects us. But don’t let it stop you from doing what you need to do.”
Her features softened. “I wouldn’t have survived this week without you, Henry.”
