“They won’t bother me.” I didn’t think they would, at least. Although, honestly, I didn’t know how I’d react to a bunch of huge men crowding around me. I knew and trusted them, but I wasn’t sure how I felt about anything anymore.
What if I did freak out if they came in? What if I couldn’t handle seeing anyone anymore? Or doing anything? How would I work in the library again? Go back home? Or go anywhere? If I was more scared than ever, and my fear was what got his attention, but denying I was scared is what made me stupid enough to ignore?—
“Shh, Firefly. Look at me.”
Look at me, darling.
My eyes squeezed shut and a whimper climbed up my throat.
“It’s okay, Firefly. I’m here. You’re safe.” Liam brushed his hand over my hair and cupped the back of my head, warm and steadying.
I grabbed hold of his wrist and opened my eyes to see him so close to me his face filled my whole vision. “That’s it. It’s just us here. You’re safe.”
“I-I’m okay.”
“You will be. And I’ll be right here the whole time.”
I just nodded, clinging to him. I didn’t know if I’d ever be alright again. But I really, really wanted to. I’d fight like hell for it.
Juliette sniffled, drawing my attention back to her and Nicky.
“Sorry, I didn't mean to freak out and worry you. I’m okay.”
“Don’t pretend to be okay for us.”
“I’m—”
I was cut off by my phone vibrating loudly on the table.
Liam looked at it as he handed it to me. “It’s Tyler.”
Nicky and Juliette left to give me privacy, promising they’d take care of Thor and be back soon. I thanked them and answered the phone as Liam gave them his key and alarm code and settled into the chair next to me.
“Hey,” Tyler said.
The words stuck in my throat.
“Jenna?”
I tried, but a strangled sob was all that came out. Liam held my hand and caressed his thumb across my palm.
I watched his thumb rub back and forth, soothing me. The veins and muscles in his hand and forearm danced under his smooth skin. It felt like a lifetime ago that he’d touched me everywhere. That I’d melted into him and begged for more. Now the only touch I could think of made me want to vomit again.
Would that tiny taste of heaven tease me forever? A peek at what I could have had if only I hadn’t been so afraid and vulnerable that I attracted a psycho and so stupid that I walked right into his trap? How could it ever be the same again?
I vaguely heard Tyler in my ear, speaking as though from a distance. “Jenna, are you there?”
I gave myself a mental shake, trying to focus. “I—I need to tell you something.”
“What is it? I’m getting ready to go out soon.”
“I was...I was almost…” I couldn’t make myself form the word.
Liam held his other hand out for the phone, offering to spare me from having to say the words that I didn’t want to say to my little brother.
I shook my head.
“Jen Jen?” Trepidation trickled into Ty’s voice.