Broken Trust(Devastation Duet #2) - Winter Paige Page 0,17
never mind.” I step back and grab a water from the fridge.
“Eliana, you know you can talk to me, right? You can trust me.”
“It’s not that. It’s just…” I sigh. “Richard, do you ever feel like you are missing something? Like something big is happening right in front of you, but you are the only one who doesn’t see it?” I ask, watching his reaction closely for deceit.
“Sweet girl.” He hugs me tightly. “Sometimes, people are just trying to protect you.” I start to speak, but he shakes his head. “I have kept quiet for a while now, but with Bethany missing, I am really worried about you. I don’t think you have been properly looked after lately. I stayed behind when I noticed everyone we trust leaving. I don’t think you should be alone here.”
“Everyone is gone?” Now that he mentions it, the house is unusually quiet.
“Yes, and you just proved my point. You had no idea you were alone. What if someone were to come in here and…” He shivers. “Anyways, sweet girl, I think you should come stay with me at the beach house for a while, make sure you are protected until all of this passes. I can help them keep you safe.”
“Thank you for the offer, Richard.” I hesitate but smile. The guys would freak if I went anywhere, even with Richard. “I’m okay, really. I left because I wanted to. I was angry, not scared.” I squeeze his hand, hoping it reassures him.
“Ah, before I forget,” he pulls a small box from his pocket, handing it to me. Oh, I love Richard presents!
“Richard.” I gasp as he places the small box in my hand.
“Wait just a second, sweet girl. It’s not what you think.”
“It’s not?”
“No, sit down.” He guides me to a bar stool. Sitting down on the one beside me, he turns me to face him, placing my knees between his, and my stomach drops. This can’t be good.
“You’re scaring me, Richard.”
“I know,” he huffs. “I’ve waited too long, I fear, but with what your father did to you after the… accident. I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew you would want this, and I’m hoping it doesn’t set you back. I had to pull a lot of strings to get you some of his ashes and-“
“His ashes?” I rip the lid off of the box and pick up the small heart shaped pendent with angel wings wrapped around its edges. Releasing a sob, I read the inscription. “’She used to be my Angel, but now I’m hers.’ Oh God.” I clutch it to my chest, falling forward and landing in Richard’s arms, releasing a wail only comparable to those ripped from me that night.
“Oh, Sweet Girl, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Maybe I was wrong? I fought them on it. I really thought you would want it, and I knew-” He reaches for the tiny urn, and I pull back.
“No, Richard, no. It’s okay. I’m okay. I just didn’t expect it, and the inscription, it’s perfect… it just hurts, ya know? Thank you so much for doing this for me. For fighting for me.” I sniffle, attempting to compose myself.
“They said you needed to forget. I just didn’t think that was fair. When my wife passed, I… never mind. I just thought this would help. He’s with you, Eliana. I know you can feel that, but now you have a physical part of him too. I’m so sorry you hurt, Sweet Girl.” He wipes the tears from my cheeks, holding my face in his hands.
“Yeah, I do feel him.” I glance up the stairs, thinking about last night. “I miss him so much, Richard. I just wish I could go back.” I sniff.
“I know, but you are so young. You will be okay. Things will work out; just wait and see. Now, how about I help you with that?” He gestures to the pendant. “I assume you want to add it to the necklace with your ring?”
“Yes, please,” I stand, turning my back to him, lifting my hair from my neck, and allowing him to slide the small urn onto the chain to join the other important pieces.
“There, perfect.” he adjusts the charms and places them back against my chest. “I need to be going, but before I go, I want you to think about the answers you are looking for. Eliana, you can’t un-know unpleasant things, and sometimes those things can alter your entire world. Consider the cost before