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“I can’t trust someone who won’t open up to me.” Her tone softened as her hand slipped through my fingers.
As much as I wanted to tell her the truth, the words wouldn’t form in my mouth.
Sand flicked up behind her heels as she marched away.
CHAPTER 25
Indiana
Tears stung my eyes as I stormed away from Tyler. The enormity of just how alone I was hit me like a tsunami. During my life, I’d had many days and nights alone because Dad was oblivious to the world.
This was different. I didn’t just have nothing. I had nobody.
I pulled the gaffer tape off my wrist, tossed it and my empty bottle onto the sand, and strolled into the crashing waves. The warm water wrapped around me like a velvet blanket. Tipping my head back, I washed sweat and grime from my body and hair like I’d done thousands of times before.
Living on the ocean was the only life I knew. Rhino was the only home I’d ever had. When Rhino sank, my career and my home sank with it. Nothing would ever be the same.
Floating on my back, I squinted at the brilliant clouds above. I didn’t even have a pair of sunglasses.
“Indiana.” Tyler’s muffled voice drifted to me through the water.
He charged through the water to my side, casting a wave over me.
Wiping water from my face, I stood. “What?”
The muscles along his jaw clenched as he stood so close I could feel his frustration.
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“Yeah. Me too.” I scooped my hands through the water. “Sorry I told you about Mom.”
His shoulders sagged. “Hey, don’t be like that.”
He reached for me, but I snapped my hand away.
“Like what? You’re just like every other cop I told that story to—heartless.”
“Fuck! No, I’m not.”
“Really? Prove it. I don’t need your fucking protection, Kingsley. I need—” A knot wedged in my throat. I needed so many things I couldn’t string them into order.
He gripped my hand. “Tell me what you need.”
My chin quivered. I need to be held. I need someone to believe in me. I need love. Tears spilled down my cheeks.
“Hey.” Tyler pulled me to his chest and squeezed me so tight I could barely breathe.
I kept my arms at my sides, refusing to let him into my head.
“I’m sorry, Indy. I’ve done things.”
I draped my arms around him and pressed my ear to his chest. “We’ve all done things, Tyler.”
His heart thumped in my ear. “But what I did put everyone I know in danger.”
Frowning, I pulled back. “Tell me.”
His eyes softened.
