This is my room.
She can’t stay in here with me.
I swing by my dresser, slip on a pair of boxers before I lift her with the blanket curled around her into my arms.
She stirs but doesn’t fully wake. Her head lolls back to my chest. How is it that she’s so peaceful and calm without a care in the world?
Nikki’s tough. With all that she’s endured because of her father, she’s still living and breathing, smiling and oblivious to the monster that he is.
Well, I’m not quite sure I’ve seen her smile, but I am confident that she doesn’t have the slightest clue that he had her abducted.
And I’m the asshole who doesn’t get to tell her the truth.
Carrying her back into her room, I guide her under the covers and pull her blankets up around her. I refrain from giving her a kiss goodnight. She’s not mine to tuck into bed. Not yet.
I retreat with my blankets and quietly close her bedroom door.
I’ve sworn a secret vow to keep the truth from her, to protect her.