Page 76 of Aftershock
“Not a fan of movies or TV either.”
A low growl reverberates from him.
Does he think I’m difficult? Is he upset?
My head knows he’s safe.
My soul remembers how I was treated by the one person who was supposed to love me.
Protective instincts have me curling into a tiny ball.
“I’m sorry, Alaric.”
“Don’t,” he hisses. “Don’t you ever apologize to me. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
I gulp audibly.
“Lilith.” When he sucks in air, I want to ask what’s wrong, but I’m too scared. “Favorite food?”
“Cream cheese bagel,” I breathe out, hoping this isn’t another wrong answer.
“Goddammit.” A loud thump comes from his end. A fist banging against the bed, the headboard. Then he sighs. “Lilith…”
This isn’t him, this unrestrained anger. Must be because he’s tired. People get upset when they’re worn out.
And it’s okay for him to take it out on you? Why?
“I’m going to hang up now.” I need to think. Need to breathe.
“Please, don’t.” The pain in his voice stops me right before I hit theendbutton. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. It came out all wrong. I’m not mad at you. I could never be.”
“Then?”
“No music. No movies, no shows.” He groans. Curses. “Your favorite food is something you can chew silently. Some scars never go away, do they? Like how you tried to survive by staying small. Invisible.”
Relief slams so hard into my chest that a sob tears out of me.
He isn’t frustrated, isn’t being cruel.
He sees me. He gets me.
And he’s enraged on my behalf.
He’s my lover and protector, through and through.
“I’m right, aren’t I?”
My chin wobbles. “Yes.”
“God.Fuck. Who hurt you? Who did this to you?”
“Mom,” I whisper before I start crying uncontrollably. “It was Mom.”
“Baby,” he says with enough affection that it’s as if he’s hugging me. “Let me come over. We won’t do anything but sleep, I promise you.”
More ugly sobs crawl up my throat. I bury my face in the pillow as thuds and the sound of a zipper come through on Alaric’s end of the line.
“I can’t take another second of hearing you like this.” A loudthumpis followed by his footsteps. “I’ve already packed an overnight bag. I’ll be there in ten minutes.”
