Avow

CHAPTER 26

Boston 1896

Scarlet stood on Gabriel’s doorstep. She didn’t know why she was here. She knew why she wasn’t at home, but she still wasn’t sure why her feet had brought her to Gabriel’s.

She had not seen or heard from Tristan since the night of his fight and had not shed a tear since the same night. Her numb heart kept away the pain, setting her free of love.

But freedom felt a lot like death.

Empty. Numb.

Scarlet bit her lip as she looked at Gabriel’s door. She should knock. She should go back home.

He wanted to care for her. Heal her. Love her.

Even when Scarlet would push away his patient heart, his patient heart would come right back. The nothingness she felt was safe, but it was also empty. She was empty. Just like Gabriel.

She knocked on the door.

He answered and a pleasant smile spread across his face as he ushered her inside and closed the door. “Hey.”

“Hey.” She fidgeted for a moment, shifting her weight from side to side as they stood in silence.

Gabriel waited patiently, smile still in place.

“I don’t need anyone,” she blurted.

“I know.”

“But I miss you.”

“I miss you too.” He looked at her with his loving brown eyes.

He wanted love and she no longer wanted to be numb.

It was gray. It was completely gray.

But gray was better than empty.

So she kissed him.

Because this was not a time for safety or confusion. This was a time for healing. And they were both so broken.

He hesitated for a moment, then kissed her back. Fully, completely, honestly. Wrapping his arms around her, he pulled her up against him and Scarlet no longer felt numb.