Salvation (Surrender 3)

“We all punished her, and she finally broke. We’ve never seen her like this. Her emotions go from devastation to rage. Alex is the only one she’s really confiding in.”

“I’m going after her. Where would she go?”

“Wait it out, Robbie. Give her some time to deal with the fact that you’re back. I don’t know shit about psychology, but that girl was traumatized. It wasn’t only your break-up. It was everything,” Alex tells me.

“Who says we broke up?”

“She’s convinced herself you did.”

I get up and start pacing, running my hands through my hair. “I’m not leaving this house without her.”

Chapter 47

Work It Out

Ember

I left the house with no idea where to go, but I had to get out. The look on Robbie’s face, the feel of his touch, the words he spoke— all of it caused more pain. I thought it couldn’t get any worse, but when he said “I’m nothing without you”, I had to leave.

He has no idea. I’ve felt that same way for weeks. It’s one thing to be madly in love, but is it normal to feel like I’m not breathing without him? Did I lose myself completely?

I’m driving on autopilot when I pull up to James and Jenna’s house. Out of everyone in my life right now, James is the only person I want to talk to. Even though his allegiance should be with his only son, I trust him.

My engine is still running when their front door opens and James runs out with an umbrella, stopping at my car. When I see the concerned look on his face, I know it was the right choice to come here.

I crack my door slightly, “I’m sorry to stop by unannounced. Actually, I’m not sure—”

“You want to come in, sweetheart?” His fatherly tone causes tears to pool in my eyes.

I nod and grab my stuff. He steps back and then pulls me close to him when I get out of the car. Once we get inside, Jenna is waiting in the foyer. The minute I walk in, she hugs me and runs her hands down my back.

The comforting touch soothes me, and I lean into her fully. After a few minutes, I look between them and find my voice.

“I don’t really know why I’m here, but I couldn’t stop myself.”

“You’re welcome here anytime,” she tells me.

“Robbie’s back,” I blurt out stupidly. They probably already know.

“Did he come to his senses?” James asks.

I shrug, not sure what to say.

“James, why don’t you and Ember go talk? I’ll make some coffee and a quick breakfast.”

I don’t miss the look they share. She’s giving us privacy.

He motions for me to follow. When we get to the living room, I freeze. Memories from the last time I was here for Raven’s shower flood my mind- Robbie holding me against him, kissing me passionately in front of their fireplace. James sees my hesitation and gently ushers me to the sofa.

“What’s going through your head?”

“I honestly don’t know. Is this weird, me being here? It’s just that when I ran out of my place, your voice kept running through my mind, telling me I could talk to you. If this is inappropriate —”

“Ember, take a deep breath. I meant what I said. Anytime, anywhere, you need me, I’m here.” He holds my hand gently, and I lose it.

Through my tears, I tell him everything. Every single emotion I felt when Dade contacted me, every single emotion I felt when Robbie left… every single detail. Somewhere during my confession of moving to a hotel, Jenna comes in and slides beside me, rubbing my arm gently.

When I’m done, there’s a weight lifted off of me. Jenna’s eyes shine with unshed tears, and James clears his throat a few times. Both look at me with complete adoration. At first, I’m embarrassed, until Jenna speaks.