If I hadn’t put guards after her for her security, I didn’t know what nightmare she would bring me to.

I wished I could keep her with me for twenty-four hours, so I could just hide her in my arms and never let anyone even touch her, let alone hurt her.

My fists clenched. Glimpses of that accident that day flashed into my mind. A volcano swirled inside me to be released.

No one will touch even a strand of your hair. I promise you that.

“Let me bring the first aid kit. Your hands need some bandaging.”

“No need. I’m fine.”

“But you could get an infection if you don’t get them treated,” he argued, a frown etched between his brows.

While I was just in my workout shorts, he stood there fully dressed in a formal black shirt and gray trousers.

“They won’t. I’m used to them.” Last time I let someone treat my wounds was my Rosebud. She was the only person who could heal me. Her mere presence was enough for my pain to fade away.

“But—”

He was cut off with a sharp look of mine.

Letting out a sigh, he ran his hands over his face, shoulders slumping in defeat. Concerning about me became his habit for years now. Be it cousin or adopted brother, it seemed he was the older one among us, not me.

Whilst I respected his concern, I didn’t prefer anyone’s meddling in my life.

Unless it was my Rosebud.

I wiped myself with my towel and took some swigs from the water bottle.

After a moment of watching my movements, he opened his mouth again. “Do you… do you think this date is a good idea? I mean, once the truth of that night seven years ago comes out, a lot of the past will be at risk.”

I tensed at the mention of the past. The past I buried in the furthest corner of my memories.

“I know what I’m doing. She has the right to know everything,” I said, gazing out of the window at the night that matched the color of my past.

His response was hesitant. “You can lose her forever if she finds out the truth, you know that, right?”

Something snapped inside me as my whole form turned rigid. But I kept my calm.

“If I don’t tell her anything, I won’t get her either.”

“But once she knows about your—”

A knock on the door interrupted him.

“Come in!”

Carter walked inside with a file in his hand. “Hello, boss. I, uh, got some reports on project CA.”

Car Accident.

Not losing my cool, I nodded at Caleb. Getting my dismissal, he let out a breath and walked out of the gym, closing the door behind him.

I turned to Carter. “Did you get your hands on that driver yet?”

Averting his gaze, he fidgeted in his place. “No, boss.”