Chapter 37
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Beck
The lights in the bathroom are off. Two candles flicker in the dark from the vanity. Sloan rests quietly in my arms in the bathtub. The lavender scented bubbles almost flow over the edge of the tub.
I’m entirely too big for this thing but I wasn’t letting Sloan out of my sight.
Sloan’s been so quiet since I slipped in behind her.
“Is it weird being in here with me?” Sloan whispers, breaking the silence.
“No.Why would it be weird?” I ask confused.
“Because it’s Sutton’s place, Sutton’s tub. I…” Sloan shakes her head, not finishing her sentence.
“You what, Little Dove?” I pry, tracing my fingers gently up and down her arms.
“I can’t help but wonder if you’ve been in here with her.”
Reaching for her face, I gently tilt her chin up, so Sloan has to look in my eyes.
“Little Dove, Sutton and I were only intimate a few times. None of those times were in this apartment. I promise you.”
“Okay,” Sloan says softly, twisting her face to stare straight ahead at the wall.
“Can I ask where this is coming from?” I question, keeping my voice steady.
“You… I was so scared earlier and the only thing that kept me fighting was that I wanted to get back to you. Wanted to fight for us. But then you told the cop we were just great friends and I couldn’t help but think if I had been Sutton, you may have told him something different,” Sloan says, avoiding my eyes.
“Sloan, the moment I saw you covered in blood, my heart was in my throat and I couldn’t breathe. I kept encouraging you not to freeze in our training but I froze at the sight of you. If Mayhem hadn’t…” My voice breaks. I squeeze my eyes shut at the thought of not getting to Sloan in time.
Sloan turns to face me again, reaching her hand up to cup my face. Tears line the rim of her eyes and they almost sparkle, as the candlelight flickers in them.
“The only thing I cared about was getting to you and making sure you were okay. I’m so fuckin’ grateful Mayhem is as protective of you as he is.” I shake off the uneasiness from earlier.
“Me too,” Sloan whispers. A lone tear running down her cheek.
“I told the cops we were great friends to protect you, not hurt you, Little Dove Your ex could’ve twisted the scenario to make it look like you were cheating on him with me.
That you left him for me. It could’ve completely ruined your case and James deserves to be behind bars.
Nothing and nobody should point a finger at you for this.
I tried to think of what the cops would want to hear because all I want is your safety.
I want you to know that Sutton is just my friend.
You have meant more to me than just my friend for quite some time, Little Dove.
I care for you so much, Sloan,” I promise her.
“Thank you,” Sloan whispers, kissing my chin and tucking herself back into my arms.
“No need to thank me for being honest with you, baby.” I kiss her hair.
“It’s so much more than that, Beckett Scott. So much more.”