Chapter 523
0523
I place the glass down, my gown slipping off my shoulder. I slowly slide it back up, my gaze flickering to Atticus, whose eyes flick up from my breast that was partially on show when my gown slipped down.
“She’s in a good place. Death isn’t goodbye, it’s just a see you later. One day you’ll see her again,” he says quietly, taking a gulp of his drink.
“Yeah…” I wrap my arms around my knees, pressing my forehead to my knees as I close my eyes, taking a deep breath.
Why does death hurt so much?
I should have protected Ada. Whatever illness she had made her so sick she wasn’t able to recover. It’s not fair… “Didn’t you want to hold a funeral for her?” he asks. “Why did you think you needed to do everything alone?”
His voice is soft, and I turn my head to look at him.
“Why should anyone help me? No one cares if Ada’s dead, she wasn’t a part of -”
He places a finger on my lips and shakes his head. “That’s not true, Adriana. I know you’re hurting, but I can assure you there are people who care. I may have not had the chance to talk to her, but I saw her almost every day and I felt the loss. And your pack members also care. Please don’t hurt yourself further by pushing everyone away,” he whispers, now cupping my face.
I pull away, turning my head away. He sighs softly. “Come on… eat some more,” he offers softly.
“I’m done. Thanks,” I say as I stand up and walk around to the other side of the bed. I lay down on it, placing my palm under my face as I stare out at the moon.
It’s so peaceful out there, not a sound save the forest animals and the insects…
“Want dessert?” Atticus asks.
I shake my head, a part of me hoping he stays. I want his arms around me again, so the lonely darkness doesn’t swallow me whole, but I’m too much of a coward to ask him to.
“Would you like a hot drink?”
I shake my head again.
“Alright.”
His eyes are burning into me, but I don’t turn. I hear him picking up the tray. “Make sure no one eats the left-over pizza. It’s mine,” I say quietly, somehow wanting to prolong him leaving, but what I said is also the truth.
That pizza is mine.
He chuckles sexily.
“Sure. I’ll make sure no one touches your dessert too.”
Did he make the dessert too?
He leaves the room, shutting the door behind him and I close my eyes, just as a single tear manages to escape.
After a few moments, the door opens quietly and my heart skips a beat. I know it’s him from his scent.
“Mind if I keep you company tonight?” he whispers.
I shake my head as I slowly turn onto my back and look at him.
He nods as he closes the door, and turns the key in the lock. My stomach flutters as he comes over to the bed, placing the lamp back on the bedside table before he looks at me. Neither of us speaks as the bed dips when he gets onto the bed.
I stare into his eyes, my gaze going to his button-down shirt and leather belt.
“Do you always sleep with your belt and shirt on?” I ask quietly.
Something in his eyes flashes, his eyes flickering to the front of my gown which is quite low, revealing a little cleavage. “No.”
“Then take them off,” I command, my voice barely more than a whisper.