Elias nods, stretching on the bed as far away from me as possible. I don’t read anything into that, because even though he might not be attracted to me, I know my worth.

It feels weird to have someone next to me, and I guess it’s because I’ve embraced sleeping alone as a therapy in one way or another. My bed is my safe place. The space where I cry, sleep, and relax.

I’ve always thought sleeping with another person would violate my privacy. And I still do. The only difference now is the events of the last few hours. It’s like I’m aware he’s beside me, but at the same time, it’s the last thing I care about.

We stay like that for a long time, facing the ceiling, fully dressed. I try to hold it back, but a sob rips through my chest. I turn my back to him, afraid he might find it childish, but he stops me.

“Don’t.” He scans my face, his eyes full of worry.

I nod, although this feels like giving him everything I have. I feel so vulnerable. I’m at his mercy.

“Can I—?” he asks, opening his arms.

I don’t reply to that. I just fall into his embrace quietly and let his arms wrap around me. I inhale the scent of summer on his skin. He smells so good.

And, if I think about it, I’ve never needed a hug as much as I do now.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

ELIAS

I woke up earlier and got some things done in town. By the time I got home, Indigo had decided to head back to her place. It took me by surprise, if I’m honest. It was obvious she’d go back to her house at some point, but this didn’t seem like the time. At least that’s how it felt for me.

Although her request to spend last night here was unexpected, I’d assumed she’d stay for a while. Guess I was wrong about that. Can’t blame her either. She probably needs some space after all that happened.

I was going to leave town tomorrow anyway. Something I’m not looking forward to, but it’ll happen whether I like it or not.

I offer to drive Indigo home and we park in front of her house and sit in silence.

She didn’t deserve this, nor did Olivia. Life isn't fair, but it hurts the most when it fucks with people you care about. And I care about Indigo. Like I care about any other human. Seeing others hurt affects me. It’s not something I can control.

“I’m really sorry,” I whisper, not knowing what else to say.

“Thank you,” she says without looking at me, and starts to get out of the car.

“Wait up.”