My CEO 172

172 Unfamiliar Comforts

(Winona)

I drive us across the city in a cheap hire car, away from the grime, decay and horrid memories that defined so much of my childhood.

The hotel we check into isn't luxurious by Jayden's standards, but it's clean and comfortable.

Far better than anything Mom and Cass have experienced ever. I chose it carefully-something that wouldn't overwhelm them but would still offer them a taste of security and comfort.

As we step into the small lobby, I can see Cass looking around, her expression staid. Mom is quiet, her eyes darting nervously from one side of the lobby to the other.

"It's very nice," Mom says softly, almost like she's afraid to jinx it by speaking too loudly. "Thank you,

Winona."

I nod, giving her a reassuring smile. "It's a place to rest. We'll be safe here."

Jayden handles the check-in process, his usual confidence on full display, but I can sense something different in him. He's quieter than usual.

Maybe this whole experience has him rattled. Maybe he doesn't think he can handle it.

My mind is so tired I don't even have the strength to worry about something like that right now.

Once Mom, Cass and I are settled in the room-two double beds and a pull-out couch-he pulls me aside.

"We need to talk," he says, his voice low.

I step into the hallway with him and close the room door. "About what?"

"I have something major to take into our next therapy session."

read him. "Something you

head. "It's not that I don't want to. It's just... I need to work it out in therapy.

but push it down. He took me meeting Steve

back home," he says after a moment. "There's business I need to take care of, and I

don't want to stay here, I

Winona, I would sleep on a bed of nails for you. This isn't about this

about him

says, his hand reaching out to squeeze mine. "I'll just be a phone call away if you need me. This is all

"I want to stay here for at least a

+25 BONUS

172 Unfamiliar Conforts

let it go. I want to try and get Cass into a

to do," he says. "But you can't force anything. They have a

"I know."

"One more question."

"What?"

that gun come

on those

doesn't answer my

pin that topic," I

pinning topics can work against me." He smiles. I'll head out to the jet. Your suitcases from

"I'll miss you.

"I'll miss you too."

were amazing out there. I'm proud of

"Winona. No. I've never been more sure that I want to be with you. You're amazing. You're loyal and trustworthy. I am lucky you still have my back after everything. I don't deserve that." We held each other a

his goodbyes to the others and then he's gone. The

the

have it. I can't wait to have a shower. We always

out the bathroom. Yes, there is a big tub and a separate shower. I'd ask for one if possible. I turn the

house. I remember beating water for it on the

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