“Anything for you,” he says as he joins me.
I scoot closer to him, his arms wrapping around me.
“I considered contacting your parents, but…”
“No, I’m glad you didn’t. I need to do that on my own.” It’s been too long since I’ve spoken to them, and too much has changed.
“They’re welcome to come here. I can have the guest room made up, and—”
“They might not even answer,” I say, cutting him off.
“That’s not true. They know what kind of person Devlin is, what he did to you.”
“What I let him do to me,” I correct Ryder.
“You don’t actually believe that, do you?” Ryder adjusts himself so he’s lying on his side, head propped up on his hand, and looks me dead in the eyes. “Guys like Devlin, they know how to manipulate people, prey on their insecurities and fears. In your case, your hopes and dreams and kind heart. This isn’t your fault.”
“Still feels like it.” I yawn. “Let’s get some sleep.” We snuggle in, and as I lie there, I can hear the gentle snores of his slumber.
My mind wanders—from Devlin to Ryder to the truths I kept hidden. The danger I put him and Amelia in. A wave of guilt washes over me. I put them in danger. I put Amelia in danger. I think about all the hurt I’ve caused—the pain to my parents, to Ryder, to Amelia. Strong as she is, I know she was terrified when Devlin broke in. I did that.
The thoughts swirl around in my head until exhaustion finally consumes me, and I drift off to sleep.
When I wake the next day, it’s much closer to afternoon than morning. I can hear voices downstairs. Loud voices. Male and female. While I can’t decipher them, I already know who it is Ryder is talking to—Norah.
I dress quickly and make my way to the staircase with every intention of making my presence known. Until I hear my name. The sound of it falling from Norah’s mouth makes me stop dead in my tracks.
“Lower your voice,” Ryder orders her. “She’s sleeping.”
“Are you seriously still letting her stay here?”
“Why wouldn’t I? We’re—”
“Quit thinking with your dick, Ryder. The woman put our daughter in danger. Amelia is traumatized.”
“I think traumatized is a bit of an exaggeration.”
“Really? After what she heard? Saw? Having to hide in her closet? None of this would have happened if it wasn’t for your precious Ember.”
“This isn’t her fault. She didn’t ask for this.”
As much as I hate to admit it, Norah’s right. I did this. I put Amelia in danger. I caused her pain. Rushing back to my room, I pull out my cellphone.
“Hey, pretty girl,” Rick answers.
“When are you heading back to Nashville?” My voice trembles as I try to bite back the pain from knowing I hurt Amelia.
“First thing tomorrow morning. Why?”
“I’m going with you.”
CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
Ryder
I wake up to the panicked shrieks of Amelia’s voice.
“Daddy, Daddy, Daddy.”