Read Online It Was Always You by Aliyah Burke - Free Book Online Page B

leave.”
    Zoë loved her for this.
    “You should stay for the night.”
    “No, Eric. There’s no reason for me to stay. I’m leaving. Cora?”
    She was there immediately, reaching out to help her. At the door, it finally sank in to the men and they understood she wasn’t staying. All of them surrounded her and Cora on the way out to her friend’s car.
    As she lowered herself to the passenger seat, Thomas crouched before her. His hands were on her thighs and she met his gaze. Rage simmered in his dark eyes.
    “You should stay with us at Mom and Dad’s.”
    She shook her head. “No.” She covered his hand and squeezed, the bandages pulling taut on her injured one. “It’s bad enough they’re cutting their vacation early because of this. They earned and more than deserved that trip.”
    “You’re their daughter. You didn’t think they would finish a trip when this happened to you, did you?”
    She shrugged.
    “What happened, Zoë?”
    Tears pricked her eyes. “Not now, Thomas. Please. I…I just can’t.”
    He kissed her cheek. “I’m thrilled he was there but you know you have some serious explaining to do about his statement.”
    “I’m taking her home, Thomas. Close the door.” Cora’s voice rang with authority.
    Zoë shut her eyes as they drove away, mad at the tears which hung around. Low music thrummed around her. Cora pulled off the road and Zoë cracked open her eyes.
    “What are we doing?” She angled her head to look at her friend. “I thought you were taking me home.”
    “Change of plans.” She pointed forward. “You’re getting a better offer and one I think you need more than you need me.”
    “What are you talking about?” Zoë stared out the windshield. A large truck pulled up before them and her heart sped up at her recognition of the vehicle. “Zane.”
    He strode from the driver’s side and walked to her door, opening it. “I’m taking you home, baby.” He flashed a look to Cora. “Thanks.”
    “Take care of her,” Cora said. “And, Zane, thanks for being there.” Cora gave her a quick hug and kiss before Zane undid her belt and carried Zoë to his truck.
    He sat her on the driver’s seat and cupped her face, staring at her in the glow of his interior light. Cora’s lights swept over them as she continued on her way, leaving them alone.
    “Zoë.”
    Her name fell from his lips like the first snow—soft, gentle, and purifying. She trembled with the extent of the raw emotions pounding her shoulders with unrelenting waves, weighing her down. He leaned close, lips by her ear, his warm breath fanning over her skin.
    “Hold on, baby.”
    Three words that began to tilt her world to rights. She didn’t argue or even speak when he slid her over just enough to get behind the wheel. As he drove, she rested her head against his upper arm, wanting to be held by him. Wrapped in the safe cocoon he provided. Where nothing could harm her or scare her.
    Zane didn’t demand conversation and she was grateful. She needed to regroup, shore up her defenses.
    Her cell lit up with an incoming call and she worried her lower lip as she stared at the bright screen. MOM. She ignored the call, put the phone down only to pick it up again. Slicing her gaze to the large, silent man beside her, she noticed he merely glanced to the screen but didn’t say a word.
    She rubbed her throat before texting. I’m okay. Going to bed. Love you both. Then she turned it over on her lap and stared out the windshield as he drove them down the dark road.
    Her eyes fluttered open when his truck rattled over the cattle grate. She sat, comprehension settling in on how she’d fallen asleep.
    After he parked, Zane lifted her in his arms, carrying her to the large three-story house he grew up in. His strides were sure as they approached the front door. She pushed her face into his chest and listened to the solid firm beating of his heart. It soothed her.
    “How are you doing, Zoë?”
    “Leave her alone, Cade.