Ninety Two

CLARISSA

The hum of the car was the only sound between us. Jaxon's hand gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles pale. But his gaze kept flicking toward me.

"You've barely said a word since we left the meeting," he said.

I stared out the window, gazing at the orange sky. "I didn't want to say anything until I was sure I wasn't hallucinating."

"Clarissa." His voice turned firm. "Talk to me."

So I did.

I told him about the voice in my head. The way it called me Evie and the way it had begged for help.

Jaxon didn't interrupt. Not once.

When I finished, I let the silence fall between us again.

Then he reached over and rested his hand on my knee.

"You won't do this alone," he said, his gaze fixed on the road. "Not now. Not ever. We fight this together."

Emotions clogged my throat.

I reached over and gave his thigh a gentle squeeze. "You're too good for me."

"No," he said without missing a beat, flashing me a small, sideways grin. "I'm exactly what you deserve."

Gods, I loved him.

I