Catching Teardrops (MAC Security 5)

I get what he’s feeling. I really fuckin’ do, but what he does isn’t always for the best. What may be good for everyone out there, may not be for the one person who means more to you than anyone else in this world.

Fuck. Is that really how I feel about her?

I never entertained what would happen between us. Never thought it all through. But she’s away from them now and can start her life again. I just hope I’ll be right there next to her as she does.

LILY

Luke: I’ll be back tonight but you don’t have to wait up for me.

Lily: I’ll wait up. X

Luke: I’m sorry. I should be there with you, not on a job.

I roll my eyes and lean back on the sofa. He explained a little of the job he’s undercover on at the moment last night and the reason he hadn’t been back to the house in the woods for a while. I understood, if anything I was a little jealous that he could get out and do stuff while I was stuck in here on my own.

Lily: It’s okay. Have fun… or whatever it is you’re meant to say. And be safe! X

The cell vibrates in my hand just as the front door flings open. My heart jumps into my throat and I lift off the sofa automatically. I’m on high alert until I realize I’m safe here. I don’t have time to overthink anything though because a boy comes rushing inside, only halting when he sees me. His bright-green eyes are open wide, and I instinctively know who it is.

That was another thing Luke told me about last night—his relationship with Eli. He said he connected with him because of his past and I didn’t need to guess why.

“Eli.” I smile just as Evan rushes in behind him.

“Dude! You can’t just run into Luke’s house like that any—oh crap, sorry, Lily.”

I wave him away, trying to appear like the intrusion hasn’t

affected me. “It’s okay, honestly, I’m bored out of my mind.” Stepping forward, I hold my hand out to Eli. “It’s nice to meet you, Luke’s told me so much about you.”

“He has?”

“Uh-huh. He’s Thor, right?”

Eli’s eyes flash before he turns to face Evan. “See? I told you she’d like me.”

“I knew she’d like you.” Evan rolls his eyes. “But she’s probably doing—”

“Wanna come watch me train?”

“Eli—”

“Train?” I ask, cutting Evan off.

“Yeah!” Eli grabs my hand. I flinch but try to cover it up the best I can. He’s a kid—he won’t hurt me. “Evan gives me boxing lessons sometimes. Come and see!”

“I—”

“Dude, she probably doesn’t want…” Evan trails off as Eli pulls me out of the house and I thank God I actually have respectable clothes on—which reminds me, I really need to ask Luke where I can get some more.

“You’re gonna love it, Lil.” Eli looks up at me when we’re halfway across the compound. “Can I call you Lil, Lil?”

Chuckling, I nod. “Sure.”

“Awesome.” He continues to lead me over to the giant warehouse. “Mom said Uncle Luke hasn’t shown you around, so I’ll help him out.” He tries to push open the door but struggles, so when Evan comes beside us and leans his hand on it, it slowly opens.

Looking over at him, I try to shield the slight terror that must show in my eyes, but I can tell he sees it.

“You’re okay,” he tells me. He doesn’t ask me, doesn’t interrogate me on how I’m feeling, instead he just tells me I am, and for that I’m grateful.