Chapter 30: Stay with Me
The ride back to the city was quiet—but not uncomfortable. Ella leaned her head against the window, watching the trees blur past in the fading sunlight, her thoughts heavy but somehow a little less suffocating than before. Nicholas’s presence, steady and silent beside her, anchored her more than he probably realized.
He glanced at her more than once during the drive, noting the dark circles under her eyes, the way she was trying to keep herself composed. She hadn’t said much since they left the hospital, and he didn’t press her. He’d learned Ella needed silence sometimes, needed to process without words.
As they neared the city, lights blooming along the skyline, Nicholas finally spoke.
"I want you to stay with me."
Ella blinked, startled out of her daze. "What?"
"Until I know you’re safe," he said, eyes still on the road. "I won’t sleep if I think you’re back in that house. And I know you won’t either."
"Nicholas..."
"It’s not up for discussion." His tone was gentle, but there was finality in it. "I have the space. You’ll have your own room, if you want. Or stay in mine and throw a pillow at my head when I snore. I don’t care. Just... stay."
Ella opened her mouth, but the words tangled in her throat. He wasn’t asking—he was offering safety. Again. She turned her head, watching his profile in the streetlights. "Okay," she said softly.
He exhaled, like he’d been holding his breath since the question left his lips. "Good."
They drove a little farther in silence before passing a small, cozy-looking ice cream shop on the corner. Neon lights glowed "Open" in soft blue and pink. Nicholas noticed her glance. It wasn’t much—barely a second—but her eyes lingered, and he caught the subtle twitch of her lips, like she was thinking of something she didn’t dare say aloud.