Among the Echoes(17)

"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."

"I bet," he scoffs. Then he reaches a gentle hand forward to grab my arm. "Listen—"

I instantly shrink away, and Dave grabs his wrist before he’s able to make contact. Adam’s glare is murderous as he snatches his arm from Dave’s grasp. They silently stare at each other for a few seconds before Adam looks back at me.

"I don’t feel right about this. I can’t just leave you here."

Shit. Now I feel guilty for catching an attitude with him. He seems like a really good guy.

I take a chance and reach out to grab his arm. I give it a quick squeeze, and he immediately looks down to where I’m touching him. "I promise I’ll be okay," I assure him, but he doesn’t move. I hold him, willing him to understand, but a few seconds later, he pulls away. With an angry huff, he finally turns and walks toward his apartment.