Clove took the card with trembling fingers.“Thank you,” she whispered.
Rose nodded, her eyes warm.“You two take care, okay?”
I gave her a tight nod.“Thanks.”
She glanced at me once more, then back at Clove.“And sweetheart?You did nothing wrong.”
Clove nodded again, swallowing hard.
I guided her toward the door, ny arm firm around her waist, and we stepped out into the sunlight.
Clove walked beside me, still holding the card in one hand like it was an anchor.
We made it to the bike and I sat on it, pulling her between my knees.She fit there perfectly, my hands wrapped around her waist, holding her steady.
“You okay?”I asked softly.
She nodded, but her eyes were glassy.“I am.It just… it triggered something.When he touched me, my brain just…”
“I’m touching you,” I said, my voice low.
She looked up at me, swallowing.“You’re different.”
“How?”
“Everything is different with you,” she whispered.“You make me feel safe.”
The words hit me like a punch.
I pulled her closer, burying my face in her chest.
“I’m sorry,” I murmured.“I should’ve been right behind you.”
“You were,” she said quietly.“You were there instantly.”
I tightened my arms around her.“Still.”
She exhaled slowly, and her body relaxed against mine inch by inch.
We stayed like that for a moment, just breathing together while the town moved around us.
A car passed.Someone laughed across the street.A bell chimed when a door opened.
Life kept going.
But my world was right here in my arms.
“You want to head back?”I asked.
Clove nodded.“Yeah.”
“You’re okay,” I said again, because I needed her to believe it.
“I’m okay,” she echoed.
“Let’s ride, baby.”She stepped back, and I swung my leg over the bike.
She climbed on behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist, holding tight.