She continues to the side of the bed and sets the bowl and water on the bedside table. Rella stiffens, and her hand clenches the sheets. She rolls to her back and scoots as close to the other side of the bed as she can without falling off.
Her tongue darts out and swipes across her lips, leaving a light sheen behind.
“You’re Remi, right?”
Remi steps back from the bed, sensing Rella’s nervousness, and clasps her hands in front of her. She smiles at Rella and tips her head down once. “Yes. And you’re Rella.”
“You’re married to my brother?”
A soft look comes over Remi’s face. Even someone like me, someone who doesn’t feel emotions like normal people, can see the love shining in her eyes.
“I am.” She pauses, weighing her next words. “I also have a son.”
Rella’s eyes widen. “Trouble has a child?”
Some of the light on Remi’s face dims, but there’s still an astounding amount of passion in her gaze. “Well, he’s not technically Trouble’s, but they love each other as if he were. Trouble delivered him and has been a father to him from the beginning.”
“Where’s his real father?”
This time, Remi’s expression darkens, and her eyes move to her clasped hands. “He’s dead.”
Rella sucks in a sharp breath. “I’m sorry.”
Remi’s head snaps up. Her voice is tender, but there’s an edge to it. It’s to be expected with what that bastard did to her and almost did to Elijah.
“Don’t be. I’m glad he’s dead. He was my best friend’s father… and my rapist.” Unlinking her hands, she crosses her arms over her chest. “He was also the man who used to torment Trouble when he was a kid.”
Rella’s eyes fly to me. “Mr. Leland?” she squeaks. “He was here?”
With a tense jaw, I jerk my chin up. “No one knew it, because he changed his name.”
“He married my best friend’s mother,” Remi continues. “He came here to try to take Elijah for his sick perversions.”
Confusion mars Rella’s features when she looks back at Remi. “He should have known he wouldn’t be able to take Elijah. I mean, he’s a grown man.”
One corner of Remi’s mouth tips up into a mocking smile. “Elijah is my son’s name. I named him after my father. I didn’t know at the time it was Trouble’s name too.”
“Oh.”
“I’ll leave you two alone. Trouble will be by in a few minutes to check on you.” Her arms drop to her sides and her voice dips. “I’m really glad you’re here, Rella. Trouble’s missed you.”
With a smile, she turns and leaves the room.
Rella faces me. “She’s good for my brother, right? He’s happy?”
I nod. “She is, and yes, he’s very happy.”
She lets out a breath. “That’s good. She seems like a nice woman. I’m glad he has her.”
I get to my feet. Ignoring her questioning look, I walk to the other side of the bed and grab the bowl of soup.
“You need to eat.”
Her hair falls over her shoulders when she sits up and rests back against the headboard.
“Will you stay?”
My chest aches at the quiver in her voice.