“Did you sleep okay?” he asks, his arms going around my waist right there in front of everyone.
I nod as I breathe him in. He presses his lips to my forehead, and I feel more than a little exposed. Public displays of affection don’t bother me when it’s other people, but I’ve never been comfortable with it.
Ethan doesn’t argue when I step out of his embrace, but he doesn’t let me go far, clasping my hand and guiding me to the table where Kincaid and his wife Emmalyn are sitting.
I thank Apollo when he drops off the bottle of water but decline when he asks if I’d like something to eat.
“I’m so sorry to hear about your house,” Emmalyn says, holding my free hand on top of the table. “If there’s anything we can do, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
I nod, and I can tell by the look in her eyes that she understands just how difficult it would be for me to ask anyone for anything.
“First, I have to work on getting a new ID and a bank card. Luckily, I keep most of my important documents in a lockbox at the bank, so it’ll make everything a little easier.”
“I can help,” a man says from across the room.
I keep my eyes on him as he approaches, taking his hand and shaking it when he offers it to me.
“I’m Max Vasquez, one of the computer guys around here. I can help take care of a lot of stuff for you online. All I need is a list.”
I look from Max to Kincaid, and the quick nod of the president’s head is all I need, to know that I can trust the man standing in front of me.
“That would be great,” I tell him even though I don’t know if passing such tasks over to someone else is going to help me stay planted firmly in my new situation.
“The less you have to deal with right now, the better,” Ethan says as if he can sense my wariness.
“I have to get new clothes for work,” I mutter, running through my mental list. “The office is closed until Wednesday for the holiday, but I have court this coming week.”
“We’ll make sure you have anything you need,” Emmalyn says with a soft smile.
I know she’s being helpful. The club is known for their generosity, but I never wanted to be in the position that would require me to ask for help. I can already picture the trouble I’m going to have at the bank, trying to access my lockbox without keys and an ID.
By the time I finish my bottle of water, I feel like I’ve run a marathon. Everyone around me is chattering, joyous about the holiday and looking forward to the big meal planned for later in the day, but I can’t focus on any of it.
I appreciate the fact that they aren’t all staring at me like I’m the latest project needing to be worked on, but everything is just overwhelming right now.
“If you’ll excuse me,” I say as I stand, but I don’t give any other reason for needing a little space.
No one questions me when I walk out of the room, but I feel the warmth of Ethan’s body follow me as I leave. Who knew generosity could make me feel so dirty? Their kindness almost makes things worse.
“I need a ride to the bank so I can get a new debit card. I think a hotel room would be best.”
“That’s not going to happen,” Ethan says as we enter his bedroom, the door snapping closed with us inside.
“May I use your phone to call Sylvie then? She’ll give me a ride.”
“It’s Christmas Day, Faith, and even if it wasn’t, it’s Sunday. The bank isn’t even open, and there’s no rush to take care of shit like that.”
“Shit like that?” I snap, spinning around to face him. “Shit like that is me trying to get my life back in order after it got burned to the ground.”
He crosses his arms over his chest, a literal barrier between the door and me.
“I need to go to the police station and get my car. I hate having to depend on other people. I’d prefer to stay at a hotel or maybe I can find an Airbnb that allows extended rentals.”
“Sorry,” Ethan says, his face emotionless as he stands there unmoving. “You’re not going anywhere.”
Chapter 25
Legend
Okay, in hindsight maybe I should’ve approached this topic with a little more tact than I’m managing, but the outcome would be the same.
Faith blinks at me before turning away, her hands working to straighten the sheets and blanket on the bed, and I commend her for her control.
“I will not be held prisoner at the Cerberus clubhouse.” Her words are low, tinged with her anger, but she manages not to raise her voice.