Home truths

Grayson’s POV

I sit her down on the stool and quickly make her a drink, trying to calm my racing thoughts. My hands are shaking as I hand it to her, and I can feel the tension simmering between us. I know I’ve terrified her. Hell, I scared myself. She was gone, and I thought I’d lost her. The panic took over before I could think clearly. I didn’t consider the fact that she was there, watching the whole thing unfold. All I could think about was making sure she was safe—that he would never hurt her again.

“Gry,” I hear my mother’s voice behind me. The sound grates on me, and I can’t help but groan.

“Don’t fucking call me that!” I snap, hating the nickname more than ever. He used to call me that. Every time I hear it, it’s like he’s right there, haunting me all over again. I look up at her, my voice catching in my throat. “What the hell happened to you?” I ask, walking over, my eyes scanning her face.

“It doesn’t matter,” she says softly, avoiding my gaze. But it does matter. Her eye is