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His lips tighten as his frown deepens “Why?” he repeats

That’s the million-dollar question I don’t knohy I want to stay I should be petrified to be around him, especially alone, and a set as far away from him as possible, but my instincts tell me I’m safer here than anywhere else It perplexes me because the fear I should feel toward Luca isn’t there I still feel like he’s my safe haven It’s stupid and crazy, I realize, but it feels like this is where I’m supposed to be

“I don’t know,” I tell him honestly “I just… I just feel safe here”

My answer shocks hi of his eyes and the stiffness of his body

“Are you sure?”

I don’t need to think about my answer “Yes”

After a ives a jerky nod

“Thank you”

He gives another nod before he turns away fro on the back of his arm catches my eye, and I take a closer look It’s certainly not the first time I’ve noticed Luca’s tattoos, his arms are covered in them so there’s no way I couldn’t, but I’ve never seen this one before It’s a dandelion in the shape of a heart The seeds were blowing away in the wind, each one a different color The words l'a the stem It’s a beautiful piece of art, and I wonder what thebehind it is

When he faces ain, my stomach flips at the stark pain in his eyes My own pain aside, I can’t i, raping, and causing someone to be in a seven-year co most people wouldn’t be able to handle

“I’ outside for a while There’s chili on the stove You should eat”

And with that, he walks away, leaving me alone in more ways than one

IT’S LATE BY THE time he comes back in I went to the kitchen when he left, made myself a bowl of chili, and ate it at the kitchen table Unsure of what to do after I finished, I went to the living room, where I made myself comfortable on the couch and waited for his to work out in his head, but I hate being left alone I hate even , alone hi him alive

That was hours ago I’ on the couch, a blanket thrown overfrom the kitchen

Luca ih the back door