Page 49 of Pretty Thing

“Are you okay?”

He cups my face and looks me over like he’s expecting wounds.

“Yeah.”

“Let me help you,” he says, his voice soft and nothing like it was a second ago.

My aunt is visibly fuming when we reach the bottom.

“We need to have a talk right now,” she says, and I shake my head.

“No. We don’t. I’m an adult, and this is my life. With Mum and Dad gone, I choose how I want to live it and who is in it with me, and right now…I don’t want to see you. I don’t want you in my home. Please leave.”

Doreen’s nostrils flare as she huffs.

“You’ve become very disrespectful. Your mother would be ashamed.”

Before I can say anything, Felix steps in front of me and towers over my aunt.

“Take it back,” he snarls, hands curling into fists.

I’m not sure if he’ll actually hit her, but he sure looks like he’s about to.

“Take it back right now, or don’t even bother coming to the funeral because you won’t be allowed in.”

Even though I can’t see Doreen, I can imagine her face.

“Son, I think you need to calm down,” Fred says.

I lay my hand on Felix’s back, and his shoulders relax, but he doesn’t move.

“You’d better get control of your wife.”

“It’s okay, Felix.”

He looks over his shoulder at me, and the dark look in his eyes softens.

“Are you sure? I have no problem physically throwing them out since they seem hard of hearing.”

“I’m sure,” I say with a smile.

He rolls his shoulders.

“Don’t even think about saying one more thing to Eden.”

Fred grabs Doreen’s arm, and the two stomp out, muttering about how they have never been so disrespected before.

Felix only turns to face me once they are gone. He gives me a small grin, tucks a piece of hair behind my ear and lays a gentle kiss on my cheek. My heart flutters with the brush of his lips. Even with the terrible weight and sadness of the day, having him here makes everything feel a little better.

“I’ve got your back, always,” he says, and my face burns hot.

“Thanks, but they’re harmless. My aunt has always been like this. She lost her sister, so I think she’s just looking for someone to take her emotions out on.”

“That may be, but she won’t do it to you.” He trails his fingers softly down my cheek. “Understood? At least not while I’m around.”

“My knight in shining armor,” I tease.

“If that’s what you need me to be.”