32. Chapter 32 - Cade
She wants to be treated as a human. That sentence makes my guts roll that she’s never been afforded such a simple thing before.
It just reaffirms she’s stuck with me until she doesn’t want me around any longer.
Besides, I enjoy this just as much. It’s becoming a guilty pleasure to touch her.
I have to keep reminding myself that she’s been starved for any decency. That this won’t be anything more than a nurturing friendship, no matter how much my jeans protest.
She deserves to have at least one person in this entire world who doesn’t want to use her.
But there’s also a side of me that aches for any sense of distraction from the horrible realities of my family.
Mom and Dad are dead. I went over a decade without seeing them because of the same doubts that keep me away from the ranch even now.
They’ll blame me again for something I didn’t do.
Anger and frustration has me pulling Rosalyn even tighter until my fingers knot in her golden locks to press her against my heart.
She’s the only source of peace and acceptance I have. Her calming touch traces the tiny lines etched into my skin, following the jagged memories of another betrayal so long ago.
Yet still haunts me.
I’m positive Eli had something to do with that accident as well.
I’m going to watch that mother fucker burn.
“Ros?” Slowly, I loosen my grip, hoping I didn’t hurt her. “I’m gonna go talk to Pete, then we’ll have some breakfast and plan out our next steps, okay? All the stuff we ordered will be here in the morning, then we can leave.”
The need to get the hell away is like fire under my flesh, coursing through every sinew in an urgent call to run.
Is it the smartest move? Probably not.
But when have I ever done the right thing?
“Can I use your shower while you’re gone?” Her lips brush the fine hairs on my chest sending rivulets of electricity to fight the flames.
“Of course. It’s yours, too. You don’t have to ask.” I wonder how long it will take to finally give her the peace she deserves?
She flattens her palms, scalding me to push herself up. “I might need help rewrapping my elbow.” Her lips tilt and I catch the glisten of blood marring the edge of where the bottom one is split.
Damn it. Did I make her do that?
Before I can stop myself, I reach up and run my thumb lightly under the wound. “I’m sorry.”
She surprises me by cupping her fingers over mine and nestling her chin into my palm. “It’s not your fault.” Her cheek lifts. “Isn’t that what you always say to me?”
Fuck, that little smile kills me. It’s like a drug I want more of.
“My own words coming back to bite me,” I laugh. I can’t be mad.
She’s finally showing me a glimpse of her humor that’s been buried behind fear.
After making sure she has everything she needs, I toss on some clothes and my coat to go down to Pete’s place.
My mood shifts as I knock lightly before pushing inside.
“Cade.” He points to the end table from his computer chair. “I poured you a drink.”
“It’s five in the morning,” I grumble but reach for it anyway.
His grim expression doesn’t change with his nod. “I got a call from Wade. Your name came up.”
Picking up the bottle, I refill the glass. “Yup. I figured it would.”
His thick hands spread on his knees to push himself out of his seat. “Why in the fuck do they think you had anything to do with it? We both know better. I set Wade straight.”
“I haven’t been here, Pete. I’m that vague bad guy that haunts their nightmares.” My jaw clenches after I down the second drink.
Fuck it, I don’t care what time it is.
He grimaces and shakes his head. “Once they know the truth—”
“I’m leaving, Pete. I’m gonna take Rosalyn down to Helena to get her new ID for a couple of days. Can you take care of the horses until I get back?” Carrying the glass to the sink, I don’t watch him, but I know what he’ll say.
After a long sigh, he makes a disgruntled yet affirmative sound. “I don’t like it. Let me set up a meeting with Mason.”
“No. Let them cool off. Ros told me that her brothers spent some time in Texas and Mexico, I can follow the leads there. Pretty solid chance they’re gone already.” I want to throw the crystal against the wall in frustration. Instead I set it carefully back into its rack.
“You have the proof you weren’t driving, what more do you need?” Pete raises his bushy gray brows.
“Now? To show them the truth.” When I stuff my hands into the pocket of my jacket, my fingers brush the smooth cool surface of the jade rock I always carry.
I pull it out, twisting it in the light to show the polished shine.
“My dad gave me one like this when I was a kid, ya know? Told me it was a monster rock. I used to have nasty fucking nightmares and he promised it would keep them away.” I turn it slowly before tucking it back into my coat.
“Who knew the real monsters weren’t in my dreams, huh?
I have to bring them out of the shadows, Pete.
Or maybe I just stay gone,” I mutter, turning towards the door.
“They’ve escalated to murder, Cade. She’s a lucky gal that you saved her in time. Who knows, she could have been next?” Pete crosses his arms and leans against the corner of the couch. “No one would have even known she was gone.” His mustache twitches over his frown.
With a derisive snort, my palm drops to the door handle. “Maybe I’m the lucky one and she saved me?”
I don’t wait for his reply.
But somewhere deep down, I know I’m right.