Page 225 of His Reckoning

“That’s scary.”

I smile slightly. “You survived it.”

“Barely.”

I reach up and tug lightly on his wrist before he can walk away completely, pulling him down just enough that he has to lean toward me.

His brows pull together slightly. “What?”

“Nothing,” I say softly.

He studies me for a second longer, like he’s trying to figure out what I’m not saying then his expression softens.

His thumb brushes once across my jaw, slow and absentminded. It’s the kind of touch that used to feel impossible from him.

“Don’t disappear on me,” he murmurs quietly.

The words hit deeper than they should because I know what he means. He doesn’t mean physically but emotionally.

I shake my head slightly. “I’m not going anywhere. Not unless you kick me out again.”

His jaw tightens immediately. “That’s not happening.”

“I know.”

And I do.

Things aren’t perfect but they’re not supposed to be. There are still moments where he shuts down, nights where he wakes up tense, breathing uneven, his body locked in something he can’t fully control.

But now he doesn’t do it alone.

His friends know, not everything, but enough. Enough that the weight isn’t entirely his anymore.

I haven’t pushed him to tell his family and I won’t.

That’s his timeline and his choice.

And for the first time, I think he knows that doesn’t mean I’m going anywhere in the meantime.

* * *

Laughter breaks out again across the room, pulling my attention back.

Colton is shaking his head, Melissa rolling her eyes, and Sawyer looks like he’s about to say something that will absolutely restart the entire argument.

I feel completely at ease in the middle of it. I lean back into the couch, letting the moment settle.

The front door opens while everyone turns slightly.

Dean steps inside, later than usual, jacket still on, expression as controlled as ever.

“You’re late,” Sawyer says.

Dean doesn’t look bothered. “Some of us have responsibilities.”

Melissa’s gaze shifts to him, curious. “Sounds mysterious.”

“It’s intentionally vague,” Dean replies.