Among the Echoes (Wrecked and Ruined #2.5)(14)

I desperately shake my head, trying to clear my thoughts. Now is not the moment to revisit the past, and it’s definitely not the time to get lost in it.

I rush to his bathroom closet and search for medical supplies, but his shelves are empty. Not even so much as a Band-Aid. I give up looking and hurry toward the door, only stopping when I catch sight of his bag slung across the chair in the corner. I need to get back to Dave, but this might be my only chance to figure out who this guy is once and for all. I snatch open his bag and begin to dig through the contents. It’s filled with nothing but clothes and a few toiletries, and in the very bottom is a roll of athletic tape. I twirl it in my hand for a minute before placing it on top of the ice and heading back to my apartment.

Due to the amazingly cheap doors, I can hear the guys talking and thankfully not brawling.

"I’ve never laid a f*cking hand on her," Dave says adamantly.

"Then what the hell is she so afraid of? Who are you to her?" Adam questions, and even through the door, I can hear the accusation in his tone.

"I’m her family. Now, better question—what are you doing alone in my apartment with her?"

"I’m doing your f*cking job." Adam’s voice lifts menacingly without ever growing louder. "I’m looking out for her. Making sure she’s safe. She’s not okay. I really f*cking hope you recognize that."

Dave doesn’t immediately answer, and I take that as my cue to go inside.

"Hey," I say, looking between the two men.

Dave has moved to the couch, still holding his nose, but his position is relaxed. There is no alarm lingering around him. Adam is still standing only a few feet away, but I suspect his proximity is more to make whispering easier than it is to intimidate. Although, judging by the murderous glare he is flashing between me and Dave, I could be wrong.

"You okay?" I ask Dave, moving to the kitchen in search of a bag to hold the ice.

"Yep, it’s not every day you get to go a round with—" he starts but is quickly interrupted.

"He’s fine!" Adam spits out entirely too loudly.

I can see the silent exchange between the two men, but I don’t mention it. Dave will explain it all to me later. I just pray the answer doesn’t end up with us in another move. I’m not ready to start all over with a new life, even though it’s only been a week in this one.

"You’ll be fine. Keep ice on your eye tonight or it will be swollen shut in the morning. Hey, Riley. Can we talk for a minute?" Adam asks, motioning toward the door.

"Um, sure." I finish with the ice and head towards Dave. He flinches as I press it to his cut. "You need stitches," I snap when I get a better look at his gaping wound.

"Nah. I always wanted a scar right there. It will make me look badass. Give me some street cred, ya know?" he jokes.

His jovial tone makes me roll my eyes before dropping my chin to my chest. I fight back the tears that are vying to surface. I’m so sick of this game—the peaks of adrenaline and valleys of relief. I’d give anything for a plateau in my life.

I wipe my hands over my pants to dry them and buy myself some time while asking Dave a silent question. He tilts his head in approval toward the door, giving me the okay to move to the breezeway.

No sooner than the door clicks behind us, Adam rushes out, "I want you to stay at my place tonight."

I can’t help the laugh that immediately springs from my throat. I bite my lips to cover the giggle, but it’s too late.

His eyes harden when he growls out, "I’m not leaving you here with him."

"Um, excuse me for sounding ungrateful, but when exactly did my well-being become your responsibility?" I ask with a sudden flash of boldness, only because I feel safe knowing that Dave is less than ten feet away and most certainly listening to our conversation.

"How about the moment you came running to my door tonight, shaking and flinching from even the most innocent of touches? I don’t know what the f*ck is going on with you and him, but I do know I’m not leaving you here to take the brunt of his jealous fit just because he found a man sleeping on your couch. We both know nothing happened, but I won’t leave you to pay that price."

"He’s my cousin."

"Yeah, well, he was none too happy to find me in your apartment. He held a gun to my f*cking head, Riley," he snaps, before leaning in close.

I immediately step away, causing my back to hit the door. "Back up," I warn, and with just those two words, the door swings open and I fall against Dave’s chest.

"I have no issues making a few phone calls," Dave says bluntly, though I have no idea what the hell he is talking about.

"You can call the God damn president himself and that is not changing anything," Adam replies before directing his attention back to me. "You’re not staying here tonight. Riley, I’ve seen this before. Just let me help you."

I shake my head, trying to find a way to make him understand, but why am I even trying to explain it to him? I have no idea who he is or why he is so determined to help me. I don’t even know if he actually wants to help at all. Over the last twenty-four hours, this man has inserted himself in my life. While I appreciated having him here earlier, I’m still not sure I should trust him.

"Thank you for earlier, but I’m okay now. You have completely the wrong idea about things. Dave’s very protective of me, but he has never hurt me. I’m sure it just surprised him to find you in the apartment."