Page 128 of Blue Gold

“I—I heard you and Claudia.”

My heart sank to my stomach. But knowing that he needed me right now, I didn’t fall apart and instead pushed his hair away from his face.

“Is that why you’re crying?”

Elliot let out a short sob before nodding.

“I-I didn’t want to tell you, so you wouldn’t be scared.” His voice shuddered. “I-I’m sorry.”

My expression softened. “If there’s anyone to blame, it’s me, Elliot. Besides, she was going to find out eventually.”

His face twisted as his lips quivered. “Yes, but… she’s so hurt. I tried to tell her I was sorry, but she slapped me, and I⁠—”

My eyes widened with alarm, my whole body tensing on the spot.

“She did what?”

Elliot’s breath caught, and he stared at me, worried. “I make it sound bad⁠—”

I moved my hand to the back of his neck, keeping him close.

“She slapped you?”

He averted his gaze from me.

“Elliot?”

“I deserved it.”

“Like hell you did!” I wrapped my arms around him, pressing his head close to my chest while trying to contain the rage bubbling inside me. My breath turned ragged, and furious, I stared at the white wall ahead.

“Don’t you dare think that.” With my body trembling, I held him as tight as I could, as if to protect him from this world and my mistakes. “No one’s allowed to hurt you.” I took a deep breath, taking in his scent. “No one. And I’ll handle all of it, I promise. I’ll put an end to this mess.”

“I’m—” A sob cut off whatever he was about to say before his crying grew harder. He wasn’t loud or dramatic. In fact, it almost sounded like he tried to conceal his voice, afraid it would be heard. But understanding he was overwhelmed on top of being exhausted, I didn’t push him to talk and instead held him until he calmed down.

“Should we go home?” I asked after his tears all dried out, my hand softly caressing his back the entire time.

He shook his head.

“I-if we go outside, it means you can’t hold me anymore.” He pressed harder against me.

My heart all but melted, and I chuckled, a soft smile on my lips.

“How about this. I’ll carry you in my arms.”

After sniffing into my shirt, he pulled back. “People will talk.”

I pointed at his ankle. “You’re hurt, aren’t you?”

His cheeks, already red from crying, turned even redder. “That’s right. But… I don’t want to be carried. I don’t like it.”

I took his hand in mine. “And what if I hold your hand instead?”

The tension between his brows relaxed, and he nodded.

“O-okay.”

My chest grew warm with my love for him, and I pulled him closer before planting a kiss on his forehead.