Chapter 17

A flicker of panic crossed Enola's mind. The stairwell door wasn't soundproof, so she had no idea when Parker had arrived or how much he had overheard. She feared he might misunderstand and might care too much about her past. Just as anxiety crept up her spine, Parker suddenly pulled her into his arms. His gaze was filled with nothing but heartache. "Ennie, I'm sorry that I came too late. "I came too late to protect you from getting hurt. I came too late to bring you home, leaving you to endure so much on your own." "Parker, it's not your fault." His warmth soothed the emotions stirring within her. Enola leaned against his chest, closing her eyes. "I'm tired. Can you carry me back?" Parker lifted her into his arms without hesitation and walked away without sparing Robert a single glance. Their closeness was effortless, and their actions were so natural that it was clear they had done this countless times before. Robert felt a sharp pain in his chest, but there was nothing he coul