“Oh, you’re going to start with that bullshit? Don’t. Look where we’re sitting right now. I’d survive The Ring repeatedly if it meant another shot at a life that looks like this. Something worth living. Reggie takes good care of me.” A wisp of a smile curls her lips.
Narrowing my eyes, I ask, “Wait, do you mean what you think I think you do?”
She shrugs. “Don’t they say near-death experiences bring you closer?”
“I’m quite sure whatever magazine you read that in didn’t mean someone selling humans as a sex slave to rich sadistic men. I’m glad he takes care of you, though. I’m happy you’re here. I’m happy you’re safe. I will make sure Reggie is always there for you.” There was talk about his punishment for allowing the kidnapping, but I immediately stopped it. I didn’t even have to speak. It was a look, and Riley and the guards obeyed immediately.
Her eyes land on mine. “Are you happy and safe?”
I nod. “In this room, I am. I don’t know what life looks like outside of it. Will I constantly be looking over my shoulder? He can’t be next to me every second of the day, twenty-four-seven.” I whisper the last words.
“I can and I will,” Riley calls back, not looking up from his computer screen.
I startle. Callie laughs. “My visit didn’t upset you?”
Shaking my head, I hug my friend. “Definitely not. I want to see you every day. Can you come for breakfast daily?”
She glances over her shoulder. “Reg,” she calls.
He walks over, face weary. “Do you think it would be okay if I had breakfast with Drew every day? Is that allowed?”
Reggie looks at Riley, becauseof coursehe does. Riley nods. Reggie looks at Callie. “Yes. Text me the time and we’ll be here.”
I smile. “Thanks.”
“Haven’t seen that in a while,” Reggie exclaims. “The smile, that is. Haven’t heard your voice either.”
I stand and wrap my arms around Reggie. “Thank you.”
His hands remain down by his sides, hard body unmoving. “That’s the last thing you should be telling me. I’ll spend the rest of my existence atoning for my mistake, Drew. I’m sorry.” The words they don’t say. I don’t even have to look to know Riley is watching the exchange. “Please forgive me.”
“Forgiveness is the last thing you need from me, but you have it. You have more than that, though. You have my eternal gratitude. For saving my best friend. For going into that place.” I shudder, then pull out of the embrace. “For keeping her safe. There’s no one else I’d trust more.” My words have the intended effect. Reggie nods, and he stands a little taller.
“I thank you for your kind words and your forgiveness. Callie, it’s time for your checkup. We’ll see you tomorrow morning then.”
Clutching at my friend, I exhale a pent-up breath. It’s going to be okay. Everything will improve now. I have people around me who love me and care about me. Callie is here and safe. Reggie is here. There’s one missing person who I’d like to talk to, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that yet. I watch them leave from the center of the room.
“You could have asked me if you had questions, you know?” Riley asks.
He’s not mad, but I do hear the hurt in his voice—a slight tremble as he speaks to me for the first time actually expecting me to respond. He pushes away from the desk and stands, sauntering toward me. He halts when he’s a few steps.
“Anything you want to know. Anything. I’m an open book. I want you to come to me if you want answers. I want to be the one to fix this.”
“What’sthis?” I whisper.
“The mess I made. Can I touch you?” Extending his hand, I know he wants to cup my face.
“Yes,” I reply. “I want your touch.”
Riley visibly relaxes as he holds my face, gaze locked with mine. “Jesus, I was scared. Terrified you wouldn’t get over it. That this wouldn’t ever feel the same.” His breaths speed. “That I wouldn’t be able to look into your eyes and have that feeling. That solid, forever connection. I thought you were gone.”
Bringing my hands up, I grab his on my face. “I don’t think you understand how it works. I might be gone for the rest of the world, but I’ll never be gone for you. You’re my light, Riley.” I offer a smile and the one he returns is sad. “I love you and that’s forever.”
“She was right, you know. About me being obsessed with you. It’s more than that, obviously. I love you, Drew, and I want to spend every day for the rest of my life making sure you know that.”
“I know. You don’t have to give me flowers every day for me to know that, either.” I grin as I look around to all the extravagant vases arranged on the floor. “You could just kiss me, and I’d feel it.”
“I can kiss you?” he asks, eyes widening.