Chapter 74. How Can I Stay?

ARDEN

I needed to see him.

I didn’t inform him beforehand.

I didn’t text; I didn’t knock more than once. I didn’t even hesitate. My feet carried me across the streets to Cade’s private unit like my body had made the decision on its own. My heart pounded in my ears as I reached the front of his door.

Was I being reckless?

Maybe. But I couldn’t breathe—not after what Elias had said and not after what I’d read. Somehow, the only person who could make sense of this feeling of chaos was Cade.

I lifted my fist to knock, but before I could, the door creaked open.

Cade stood there, shirtless, hair tousled. His eyes widened when he saw me standing there, breathless and desperate.

Without thinking, I lunged forward and wrapped my arms around him.

He caught me, his strong arms enveloping me as I buried my face against his shoulder. He smelled like pine and warmth—like comfort itself.

“Arden?” he asked softly, concern seen across his f