Chapter 32
I click the door closed, and my emotional walls collapse.
All the barriers I’ve been holding, and the floodgates crumble.
Fumbling to lock the door, my entire body starts to shake.
Tears erupt from me, and I don’t know if they’re happy, sad, or from sheer relief.
I lean against the door, trying to regulate my breathing.
My knees weaken, and I start to slide down the door.
Closing my eyes, I expect to meet the floor.
“Hey, breathe.” Steven grabs under my arms, pinning me to the door.
My eyes swim, trying to rein in my emotions.
I blink, trying to focus. I manage to stand, even though my legs are shaking.
My head hangs as he grips my shoulders tightly.
My hands rest on his, grounding me. I start to inhale deeper before I allow my eyes to open.
Worry spreads across his face. “Hey, you good? What happened to your face? Where are your glasses?”
I take a few deep breaths, and I finally look into his eyes. “Yeah, sorry, I’m good.”
“What the hell happened?”
My voice quivers, coming out shaky. “Did you know Killian was a fighter?”
He looks a little sheepish before nodding. “He has been for years; it’s how he paid for the shop.”
“Paid for the shop?” What the hell is happening?
“He owns it.”
“How did I not know that?” I don’t know whether or not I’m hurt right now. Do I even know him?
“He wanted to protect you.” The look he gives me says it all.
I nod and rest my head against the door again. Steven pulls me towards the sofa, and I go along with him, flopping down and snatching the cushion, dragging it against my chest.
“Scott, what happened?”
I blow out a breath and stare at the cushion, not sure if I want to tell him everything. I’m so embarrassed, mortified even. Unwilling to believe that I was so stupid. Where do I even begin explaining everything?
“What happened with Derren?”
I mutter and stumble my way through everything that happened tonight.
“So, are you and Killian together?”
“I think so, but he went home.” I drop my head again, feeling overwhelmed and a little lost. “He needed to sort something out. He got hurt tonight, so he had to get his ribs looked at. Said he’ll come by tomorrow.” Steven nods and pulls me to him.
“You’ll be okay, kiddo.” I give him a heartfelt smile. Emotionally, I’ve been through the wringer tonight. I’m just hoping that everything will be okay.
“Thanks, Steven. I’m exhausted. I’m gonna go to bed.”
He smiles, and I step out of the room and head upstairs. In my bedroom, I undress and rip the covers back. I slip between them, exhausted from the evening’s events. My head barely touches the pillow before I fall into a deep, heavy sleep, hoping it will last.