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I look toward my co-workers and find that they’re all staring at our group with curiosity and interest.
“We need to get out of here,” I mutter, grabbing Rory’s wrist.
She’s pliant in my hold and follows me as I walk down the aisle to reach the exit doors. Simon and Oliver are right behind us, enjoying the attention they’re receiving from everyone.
Once we’re in the hallway, I guide everyone to an unused media room and close the door shut.
“Could you get us some coffee?” I say, fixing my brothers with a grim look. “I need to talk with Rory.”
“You can ask her what you want in front of us,” Simon quips. “She’s our girlfriend and we don’t keep any secrets between us.”
I know he’s kidding. Even though I don’t know how my brothers ended up being with Rory, she’s not in the mental space to get into a relationship so quickly.
“I’d like a cold brew, please,” Rory says, smiling sweetly at the twins. “Only if it’s not too much trouble for you guys.”
Surprise flares within me. Rory never smiled and talked this way when she was living with me at the old hunting lodge.
Simon and Oliver must be the reason she’s come out of her shell. They’re both easygoing and cheerful, easily attracting the friendship of the people around them.
I’m different from them, always choosing to stay silent and observing the situation. Since I’m the oldest, my focus is always on protecting my brothers who love getting into trouble without caring about consequences.
Maybe Rory needs people like Simon and Oliver to bring back the fun and laughter in her life. As much as I’d like to be the man who heals her, I know I can’t do it alone.
“We’ll get you some coffee,” says Oliver, pecking her cheek.
“Just holler if he tries to do anything funny to you,” Simon says, winking at her.
“Fuck off already,” I mutter darkly.
They both laugh in my face before sauntering toward the door.
When they’re finally gone, I turn toward Rory. She’s staring up at me nervously.
“Are you mad?” she whispers.
“Why would I be mad?”
“I wasn’t sure if you wanted to see me again after the way I treated you,” she says so quickly that I barely make out the words. “But, I couldn’t stop myself coming to search for you. I missed you from the moment you left me.”
Squeezing her eyes shut, she shakes her head. “Look, if you don’t want me here, just tell me. I don’t want to be a bother after everything you’ve done for me.”
“Rory—”
Opening her eyes, she marches closer to me. She clasps her hands together tightly, failing to hide her agitation. “I know I was a complete bitch to you while you were trying to help me. I’m sorry!” With a sudden sob, she breaks down completely.
I’m instantly at her side and pulling her into a hug. “Hey, it’s okay,” I say in a gentle voice. “I’m not mad at all. If you hadn’t come here, I’d have found an excuse to go check up on you.”
She mutters incohesive words against my chest while her arms tighten around me.
Warmth spreads through me, soothing all my worries. Nothing feels as good as having Rory safe and sound in my arms.
Stepping away from her, I gently wipe her tears. “Lighten up or my brothers will think I’ve done something to upset you. They’ll be all over my ass if they think I mistreated their friend.”
A small chuckle escapes her. “Your brothers are mad.”
“Yep. That’s them.”
“I was such an idiot,” she says as regret washes over her features. “You wanted to tell me about your family but I never wanted to listen to anything. I was a fool for not letting myself trust you.”
