Page 65 of Forever Mine
Gasp.“No.” He grabs my hands. “Just… want… you.”
“Then I’m going to need you to breathe with me,” I say softly, cupping his face to keep his eyes firmly focused on me. “Deep, slow breaths, in and out, like I’m doing,” I instruct as I show him how.
His chest heaves as he fights for control, and I squeeze his hands, willing my strength into him, wishing I could absorb his pain, his fear.
“That’s it. You’re doing so good, baby. You’re safe. I’ve got you. Just breathe.”
His fingers tighten painfully around mine.
“Don’t let go,” he murmurs.
“Not going anywhere without you,” I promise, my eyes stinging with unshed tears.
Seeing him like this twists my insides into knots.
David inches closer. “What can I do?”
“You could back the hell up and give him some space.”
“Hey, man. Let’s step outside,” Ryder says.
I never heard him come in, but I’m so glad he’s here.
The door swings close. I trust Ry to guard it and not let anyone in.
“I’m so sorry,” Elijah chokes out.
Cutting him off, I pull him into my lap and hold him as close as I can. “Shh. None of that. You have nothing to be sorry for.”
His arms band around me, and he burrows in.
Minutes feel like hours as I hold him, murmuring soothing words. Gradually, his breathing begins to even out.
Needing to push, I do so carefully. “Can you tell me what happened?”
“I feel so damn stupid.”
“You’re not stupid. You’re smart and funny and brave and strong.”
“I don’t feel very strong or brave right now.”
Elijah presses his lips to my neck, his tears wetting my skin, but I don’t care. All that matters is that he’s okay and coming back from whatever hell his mind had taken him.
I wait him out, knowing he’ll talk to me when he’s ready. I’ll sit on this disgusting floor all fucking night long and hold him if that’s what he needs.
“David and I got into an argument.”
I’m glad David isn’t in here because I’d probably punch him for that alone.
I stroke Elijah’s soft curls. “About?”
“You.”
Yep. Going to kill him.
“I came to the bathroom to wash up and splash some water on my face. And then… it was like I was back at that night. It just hit me out of the blue. When David came up behind me, I thought he was Justin.”
Oh, god. Did he have a panic attack? He’s been wary about being in enclosed spaces since that night, and until recently, he has avoided coming to Belly’s. Too many bad memories.
