When he tugs me in the opposite direction from the packhouse, even though it kills me to do it, I shake my head. “I can’t go with you.”
He frowns. “What do you mean, you can’t? I’m getting you out of here, love.”
Despite his furrowed brow and his insistent tone, I shake my head again. “I have to stay.”
“Aerin, why would you want to stay?”
A million reasons, and I’m sure if I told you even one, you would stop me.
“My grandparents are here. And not just that, things are bad. So bad that I can’t leave.”
He smooths wet hair from my face before he turns to press me under the tree, so I’m avoiding most of the rain. “Bad enough that you haven’t been eating, and yet you still want to stay?”
“No, I don't want to. I have to stay. I have to help.”
“Aerin, love…”
“No, Mack. Someone has to sto
