“Never. I’m yours.” I hold her tighter.
I’ll never let her go.
23
Whitney
“You’re going to have to let her go at some point,” Oz says.
Knox’s hold on me only tightens. Yeah, he’s not letting me go ever again. I would think it’s adorably sweet, but I’m actually worried about him. I never saw such rage on someone's face before. I truly believe he would have killed Brock if I hadn’t stopped it.
With one touch I brought Knox back to me. For the first time in my life I belong to someone. Really belong. Knox would do anything for me. I’ve never had that from someone before.
“No one is going to hurt me, Knox. We’re home.” I try to wiggle in his lap, but he only grunts. We only got home a bit ago. We spent hours at the police station giving reports. Faith had been worked up. Thankfully Ace calmed her down. He didn’t bring her back here after we left the station, so I can only guess he took her back to his place.
I rest my hand on Knox’s chest to try and calm him some. I know he is laying a lot of the blame of what happened today on himself. I hate that. He did what he had to all those years ago to save others from that monster.
“I’m going to make sure Brock Turner never sees the outside of a prison again. He’s wanted on a lot more than what he tried to pull off today. I don’t think it will be hard to make that happen.”
I have no doubt Oz will follow through on that. Oz has deep pockets, and with that often comes a lot of pull even if it shouldn’t. I really don’t care how he makes it happen at this point. I only hope that it will put Knox at ease. Not only is this man gone, but now my stepfather is as well.
“Thank you,” I say.
“No thanks needed. We’re family,” Kennedy says. Oz tucks her into his side. Warmth blooms inside of me. I have a family. A real one that cares about each other. I’ve never felt more loved or optimistic about the future.
“I think we all need some sleep,” Oz says. I should be exhausted at this point but I’m not.
“You’re not hungry, Bunny?” Knox runs his hand up and down my back. I’m not sure if he’s trying to soothe me or himself.
“I want a shower.”
“I’ll take you to your room.” He stands, putting me on my feet.
“Knox.” Oz’s tone is filled with warning.
“I’m not letting her out of my sight.” A stare-off ensues between the two of them.
“It’s one thing when she’s sneaking into your room, but it’s another if you push your way into hers.” My face fills with heat. They know I’ve been sneaking into Knox’s bed every night. I have been since that storm. I thought we’d kept it under wraps, their room being on the other side of the house.
If they knew, Oz must not be too upset about it. He hasn't said anything until now. Why is tonight different?
“Honey. Oz wants to make sure you’re okay with Knox being in your bedroom.” She gives me a soft smile.
“Oh. Yes. He helps with the bad dreams I have sometimes.” I don’t let them know his way of helping is going down on me until I pass out once again.
Besides, I don’t think anyone could get Knox to not follow me around right now. He’s still on edge. I think only time will help with that, and the way Knox touches me and how he acts toward me I know we’re going to have a lot of time together in our lives. He’ll get there one day.
“You’re both eighteen but remember to be responsible,” Kennedy says, coming over to both of us and kissing our cheeks goodnight. Oz follows her out.
Knox buries his face in my neck, his hands slipping under my shirt to rest on my stomach. He’s not trying to start something. I know he only wants to be as close to me as he can right now.
“I need a shower.”
“I don’t want to let you go.”
“Then don’t. Come shower with me.” Knox doesn't make any further protest, taking me up to my bedroom and leading me into the bathroom, where he slowly strips me until I’m standing in front of him completely bare. He quickly gets out of his clothes, tossing them next to mine on the floor.
“I shouldn’t have taken off like that today.” He cups my face in his hands.
“I should have let you know where I was.” I lick my lips. “It seems I have a jealous side. When I saw the name Jamie on your phone and you went rushing out, I feared the worst.”
“Shit, Bunny. I’m sorry.” He drops his forehead to mine.