Chapter 78

After a long staring contest, Thorn got pissed and stood, though he wobbled a little. “You said I could come here if I needed a place to stay. Was that a fucking lie or what?”

I finally snapped out of my daze. “No, it wasn’t. Come on.”

I walked past him and unlocked the front door. I led the way inside, moving immediately to the kitchen when I heard his stomach growl. I turned on the light and set the barbecue on the table.

“I know you’re hungry, so wash your hands and have a seat.” As he did so, I took out a plate and set it down, along with utensils and paper napkins. I grabbed a bottle of water from the fridge and tossed it at him. “If you’re still hungry when you’re done with that, I can make you something.”

Thorn’s stomach growled again, but he didn’t look at the food, only stared at me, his expression confused and wary of hope. “What do you want from me? Why are you doing this?” It was sad to see so much suspicion and distrust in someone so young. But I understood it.