The Sound of Salvation (Deliverance Book 1) by I. A. Dice

Author:I. A. Dice [Dice, I. A.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-01-21T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

NADIA

Women drivers

Thomas entered my apartment on Sunday evening, not bothering to knock. He found me on the couch, smelling a cup of peppermint tea—another grounding technique. I alternated between different ones all day, waiting for a sign from Thomas.

“I didn’t expect you to come back,” I said, eying the muscles visible under the thin fabric of his long-sleeved white t-shirt.

He hung his jacket on the back of the wing chair. “Why didn’t you?”

I sipped from the cup, inhaling some more. “I thought you’ll change your mind about the friends-with-benefits idea after last night.”

“Yeah,” he dropped his keys on the coffee table, “don’t count on it. Whatever your issues, you’re better when you’re with me. And I’m better with you, so let’s quit running around in circles like we don’t give a damn and just agree to use each other.”

I was done fighting. Done denying myself the help he carelessly offered. Last night should have scared him off; he should have reconsidered after witnessing my meltdown, but he wanted to follow me into the labyrinth of my issues. I was too weak to stop him.

“We need ground rules,” I said.

“Okay.” He sat beside me, then helped me onto his lap. “I have one—no more dates with Ethan, or anyone for that matter.”

“Done.” I knotted my fingers on his neck and leaned in to kiss him. “No questions. No guessing. No pushing, and Nick can’t find out.”

“Deal, but you don’t pretend when you’re with me. And you call me whenever you need a distraction.”

So, all day every day?

“Careful what you wish for. I’m off the meds. Hence the meltdown last night. If James won’t have a prescription ready for me tomorrow…”

“Then you’ll call me, and I’ll make sure you don’t have to smell peppermint tea to feel safe.”

I cocked my head. “How do you know that’s why I do it?”

“Told you you’re not the only one with issues.” He patted my bum to make me move, then stood, and pulled me with him.

“Turn around,” he said, and drew me closer, forcing me to rest my back against his chest. “Do this if I’m not here when you need me.”

“I don’t need you,” I snapped on autopilot.

“Keep lying to yourself.”

Yep, and I didn’t plan to stop anytime soon.

He caught my hands in his, moved the right one to rest on the side of my ribcage, close to the heart, and the other on my right arm.

“Close your eyes, baby doll.”

I did as I was told, lacing our fingers when he hugged me tighter.

“Now breathe in,” he whispered, inhaling in sync with me through his nose. He tapped his index finger on my palm four times before exhaling through his mouth. “Remind yourself who you are, and where you are.” He bent down to kiss the nape of my neck. “And then recall this moment—my lips on your skin; the sound of my voice; the way your body relaxes under my touch.”

The hold he had on me loosened and his lips worked their way across my jaw.

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