Scarred (Unlikely Heroes Book 5) by Leslie Georgeson Page A

whispered.
    “Get away from him. He’s my dog.”
    There was a menacingly look in his eyes she’d never seen before. Sebastian wasn’t himself right now. He was hurting. She needed to help him.
    She rose, gently lay the dog back on the grass.
    Sebastian turned away and resumed digging.
    Tread carefully. He’s hurting and he’s not himself.
    But he’s so alone. He needs me.
    Emily hesitated, then stepped up behind him. She wrapped her arms around his waist, trying to offer him some comfort.
    “I’m here,” she whispered. “You’re not alone.”
    He went still. He slammed the shovel into the ground and turned to face her. She jumped back.
    “I told you to go away. I meant it. I don’t want you here.”
    She held his gaze. “I know. But I won’t leave you. You’re hurting right now.”
    Careful Emily.
    She ignored the warning.
    Ignored the danger brewing in his eyes.
    Sebastian needed her.
    Emily stepped forward and grabbed his hands in hers. He stumbled back. “Fuck.” He yanked his hands free. “Don’t.”
    Undeterred, she held his gaze. “You’re not alone, Sebastian. It’s okay. Let it all out. I’m your friend. I’m here.”
    Fury flashed in his eyes. “Don’t you get it? I already let it all out. The little bit of goodness I had left died along with Scar. The only thing left inside me now is the darkness. I can feel it swirling around inside me like a fucking demon fighting to break free from hell. Stay away from me. I don’t want to unleash it on you. I don’t want to hurt you, but I don’t have any goodness left in me anymore. I’m dangerous.”
    She didn’t believe that. Not for a second. Sebastian was a good person. He rescued animals. He cared. He’d just lost his dog. He was hurting.
    She bravely took a step toward him.
    He flung his arms up to ward her off. “Don’t touch me. Just…don’t.”
    “It’s okay to grieve,” she whispered, watching his eyes. “I’ve been there. My dad’s dog Lucky died last year. He got hit by a car. He was getting old, like eleven or twelve, but it still broke my dad’s heart. He loved that dog.” She hitched in a breath. “I loved him too.”
    Sebastian’s gaze never left hers. “That’s not the same. It wasn’t your dad’s fault. This… ” He flung his arm out, gesturing at Scar’s lifeless body. “…was my fault. I killed him, Emily. I caused it by going after them. I should have waited, called the cops… something .”
    “No.” She took another step toward him. He stiffened, wariness entering his eyes. He backed away.
    And it hit Emily that he was afraid. Of what, she wasn’t exactly sure. Of her? Of her touching him? What did he think would happen if she touched him?
    Was he afraid of letting her comfort him? Was he afraid to accept comfort? Afraid he might break down in front of her? Had he ever accepted comfort from anyone before? Had anyone ever offered him comfort before?
    Emily made the decision in that moment that she would help him get through this. There’d been a time in her life when she’d felt so lost and hopeless, when she wanted nothing more than to die. Yet Jennie, Emily’s stepmother now, had helped her survive. It if weren’t for Jennie’s encouraging words, her pep talks in that dark, dreary dungeon, Emily doubted she would have survived the hell she’d been subjected to for three long years.
    Someone had helped her.
    The least she could do was help Sebastian now.
    “It wasn’t your fault,” she whispered, taking another step toward him. He remained stiff and unyielding in front of her, his gaze wary as he watched her. She could touch him now if she wanted. She took that final step and wrapped her arms around him. “It’s not your fault. I’m here, Sebastian. You’re not alone. I’m here.”
    He drew in a sharp breath, his chest expanding, his entire body stiffening. Then the breath puffed out of his lungs. His arms came around her. He squeezed her against him.
    His body started to shake,