Chapter 63

'He was old … it was his time. He died knowing you cared, Cam.' he hushes me against my temple, enveloping me in his solid embrace, and I can do nothing but cling to him hopelessly—burying my face against his chest as I cry my heart out—completely broken over such a stupid thing. My arms lacing around his wide torso and I screw my eyes shut to stop the tears flowing free. I can't do anything except sob like a broken child while my body is wracked with a pain bigger than me. Alexi holds me tight and says nothing more, just lets me crumble for the first few minutes before the calm of shock grips me and I start to softly whimper instead; Still held against him, trembling and inhaling his smell, his aftershave, as it gives me a sense of calm. The feel of his clothes and muscles tight against me as he grips onto me in a non-sexual embrace that holds me up. He's being my support, even if minutes ago we were yelling at one another. It all adds to that sense that it's going to be okay.