Loose-lipped (James POV)

“What do we do now?” Rosa stared up at the sky through the sunroof.

We’d spent the last few days hiding out at Dante and Joan’s house, but I was desperate for my own space. I love my aunt, but she was overbearing… Especially with Rosa. And she didn’t hesitate to remind me that everything that happened to her was my fault.

“We’re going to start with breakfast. And then we’re going to go home and spread out in my very soft, enormous bed,” I winked at her, causing a flush to creep up her neck, landing on the tips of her cheekbones. “Everything else can wait until tomorrow.”

“I suppose you’re right,” she let her head fall lazily to the side. The cocktail of pain meds that Joan has been forcing on her have kept Rosa in a constant state of high, but the fact that she’s not in pain is worth every second.

The bruises on her ribs have gone from a deep, angry shade of purple to yellows and greens. She doesn’t flinch with every movement, and for that; I’m grateful.

Guilt has planted itself deep