Page 132 of Nothing to Fear

“The things I said to you on the phone, that I could’ve been a better sister—I meant it. Dad and Mom always gave you so much attention. I resented you. And I was jealous because you were Dad’s favorite. Maybe it was that you were the baby, or you looked the most like Mom, or the way you doted on him like he was your personal hero. I know that was awful of me, petty. Sometimes I felt like they only noticed me if I acted out.”

Her sister had been wretched at times, but Willow hadn’t realized Laurel had been hurting in her own way. “I’m sorry, Laurel. I could’ve been a better sister too.”

“I was the oldest and I knew better. You did nothing wrong.” Laurel cupped Willow’s arm. “Come for the holidays. It’ll be different this time. I promise. I’m going to invite Ivy and Delphine. And if there’s anyone special you want to bring, they’re more than welcome to come.”

Willow’s stomach knotted in degrees, thoughts spilling through her head. The caresses, the kisses, the sweet words. She’d had someone special…for two whole days. Two. Now, he wanted nothing to do with her. The mission was over and so was his interest in her.

Her muscles tensed in the stilted silence.

“Let’s go.” Laurel walked over to Reece and Maddox.

Willow followed, unable to shake the sense of displacement. She had no home to go to.

“Ready to get on the road?” Reece asked.

“Yes.” Laurel kissed Willow on the cheek. “I’m a masterpiece in progress. Bear with me, okay?”

Willow nodded. “Have a safe drive. And Reece, thanks for taking my sister home.”

“Of course. No problem,” he said.

Reece and Laurel took the first elevator and went up to the top walkway connected to the garage. Maddox and Willow caught the next one going down.

“Have you talked to Gideon?” Willow asked, staring at the elevator display.

“After Reece arrived, I called him and we spoke briefly.”

“He didn’t want to talk to me,” Willow said. “Did he?”

“Gideon wants you to focus on your father and putting your life back together.” Maddox cleared her throat. “You need someplace to stay. My condo is vacant and partially furnished.”

As soon as Maddox had reunited with Cole, they’d gotten engaged and she’d moved into his place. Maddox was the only one in Black Ops who had a partner and love in her life. She was like a unicorn.

“Why don’t you stay there, as long as you need?”

Grateful, Willow nodded. “Thank you.”

They left the hospital together. The air outside reeked of moisture, a dankness that smacked of a storm on the way.

“I appreciate how patient you’ve been,” Willow said. “It’s late. I’m sure you’d rather be home with Cole.”

“It’s no problem. Really.” Maddox hit her key fob, unlocking the car doors. “We should swing by a store and pick up things you’ll need. Toiletries. Clothes. My treat—well, it’s on Black Ops. The others will chip in.”

“What? It’s too much. I can’t let you guys pay for that stuff.” Willow should’ve thought to ask Laurel for a loan.

“You can, and you will. You survived a trial by fire with Gideon, and that makes you one of us. We’re here for you.”

“That’s incredibly generous. Thank you. I don’t know what to say.”

“No need to say anything.”

They hopped inside the car. Strange how bad circumstances brought people together. Willow’s mind careened back to Gideon and all they’d survived and shared. Emptiness gnawed at the pit of her stomach.

Lightning sliced the black sky. In the distance, thunder rumbled. The first drops of rain popped against the car, echoing in her chest. Tears stung her eyes. Maddox’s generosity overwhelmed her, but the incoming tide of heartache made her want to cry.

How could she bear to look at Gideon in the office? Every time she passed him in the hall or worked with him on an assignment, the wound would fester and spread like gangrene.

She shivered.