Page 147 of Graves

Silence falls on the other end. She’s probably putting two and two together and realizing exactly who I am.

“He needs help,” I say, rubbing my knuckles over my mouth. “But I don’t know…”

“I’ll come as fast as I can. If what you’re saying is true, then I agree with you. I can get him the help he needs—and quickly.”

“Thank you.”

Thoughtfully, I walk back into the kitchen, fill a glass with water, and open the fridge. The first thing I see is the bottle of vodka.

Fuck. Bad idea.

My appetite vanishes, along with any desire to shower.

It’s not even ten yet.

Pull yourself together.

Annoyed, I slam the fridge door shut.

I lean back against it, tilt my head up, and take a deep breath.

I can do this.

Koh needs me.

Sober.

At that moment, Koh emerges from the bedroom. His hair is sticking up in every direction, and he looks ridiculously cute in my sweatpants and the old NOFX T-shirt. He rubs the sleep from his eyes and shuffles around the kitchen island toward me.

I step away from the fridge to give him space, but he’s already reaching for me. Without a word, he slides his arms around me and buries himself against my chest like a child seeking comfort.

I don’t ask questions. I just hold him, giving him exactly what he needs most right now.

Safety. Warmth.

I breathe in his scent and savor the moment. It couldn’t be more perfect—well, aside from all the shit piling up around us.

God, how badly I’ve wanted to hold him again these past few days.

Koh has no idea. One night was never going to be enough.

“I missed you,” I murmur against his ear.

“I missed you too.”

His voice is thin and fragile, barely more than a whisper. I feel him at my neck. When his lips graze my skin, every muscle in my body tightens.

“Koh.” Reluctantly, I pull back. It has to be done.

“Hm…?”

“Sit down.” I nod toward the dining table and fill the kettle.

Koh seems to sense that I’m not making him tea out of pure kindness, but he sits anyway.

I prepare the green tea he likes and set the cup in front of him. He thanks me but leaves it untouched.

“What is it?” he asks, a hint of fear in his voice.