Page 202 of Forged in the Fire
“And why not?” Elena almost pouted.
I didn’t even want a relationship. Had no need for one. I did just fine by myself, thank you very much.
Except…
Air whispered from my lungs. “I think Silas might be as broken as me.”
With the irresponsible confession, Meems settled the bowl onto the counter. She turned around. When she did, tenderness had fully taken her over.
Affection and care brimming in the aged lines of her expression. “You’re right, Brinley. He’s been broken and traumatized. He’s been struggling to survive since before he was even a man and doing his best to protect his family while he did it.”
My spirit flailed and thrashed.
I wanted to know that part of him. To understand what all of it meant.
“And he’s made some bad decisions. Horrible ones. No question about it, and he counts himself as to blame for all of it. Thinks he’s unworthy when he’s probably one of the worthiest people I’ve ever met.”
My chest stretched to the point of exploding, listening to her talk about her grandson with unflinching admiration.
It was only more difficult to stand beneath the weight of it since Elena’s expression morphed into that tortured innocence that promised she had endured the same trauma, too.
So much more appalling than the tidbits I’d gleaned.
“But that man is good, through and through,” Meems continued, love gushing out on a river of awe. “I’ve seen it time and again. His sacrifice. And that’s not being biased. It’s just the plain and simple truth.”
She inched forward, and she reached out and touched below my chin, her gaze penetrating as she stared me down. “So good and beaten down by the world that he’s always trying to stay one step ahead of it, forever putting up a fight. Broken, but refusing to surrender.”
She tilted my chin up further. “I’d bet a whole lot like you. And maybe I’m wrong, but I’m thinking those broken pieces just might fit.”
A tremble rolled through me. “I’m not sure about that.”
Elena reached out and squeezed my hand. “Your heart will know.”
I choked over a strangled sound. Man, was that one coming back to bite me in the ass.
“I don’t think Silas nor I are ready for any of that, but maybe we are what the other needs right now.”
While I was here, like he said.
It was going to have to be enough.
I could see the red flag waving in my periphery.
A warning tolling at the back of my mind.
If that was the way it was going to be, then I needed to stop allowing myself to get attached.
Easier said than done when I was surrounded by these amazing people.
Elena and Meems.
Kai at my feet.
Silas’s ferocity vibrating from someplace outside the door.
The home I didn’t have.
FORTY-ONE
