Finding 4

IT WAS ALL MY FAULT

At the front door, a rapid knock sounded, even through the downpour outside.

Instantly, I was on alert and grabbed Shan's shoulder when she moved to answer the door.

It was late as hell, and there was no way my little sister was answering shit.

"Stay here," I ordered her, dropping the pack of peas in her hand while glancing at Mam, who didn't even lift her head up.

When the knocking sounded again, Teddy stirred in his armchair with a growl. "Answer the fucking door!" he yelled, making Shan flinch.

"Fucking bastard," I bit out before ushering Shan to go upstairs while I headed for the door.

Always listening, Shan bolted up the stairs—even with the ice pack.

A few minutes later, I opened the door, expecting one of Joe's mates or even Aoife.

But it wasn't Aoife standing before me.

My eyes locked with silver ones, knocking the air from my lungs.

Not because they were the eyes that haunted me.

But because these silver eyes were almost black with how huge her pupils were.

"Lily," I breathed, taking in the sight of the shivering girl standing on my doorstep.

Soaked from head to toe, Lily wore a short denim skirt that had to be freezing her ass off with a red halter top that was stretched as if someone had pulled it, and her hair was out, stuck to her face and shoulders.

Honestly...she looked like a mess.

"Who is it?" my father barked from inside the house.

Straight away, my heart lurched up my throat with panic. "Just one of the lads!" I called back seconds before stepping into the cold rain and closing the door behind me.

I would rather get all my bones broken before that bastard saw Lily.

On god.

The whole reason I shredded what me and Lily had up was because of that cunt.

There was no way in hell he was getting to her.

Focusing my attention back on Lily, I noted the way she just kept staring at me, shivering, pale, and possibly crying.

I wasn't completely sure with the rain.

But why was she here?

Why was she dressed like that on a school night?

Why was she high again?

What the fuck was happening?

"Are you okay?" I asked, knowing it was probably the worst question I could ask her, considering the shit I pulled.

When she remained silent, I reached back and tugged off my hoodie. It wasn't completely soaked yet. Wordlessly, I slipped it over her head, pulling her arms through the sleeves before pulling the bottom of it down to just above her knees.

It looked like a damn dress on her.

The second I stepped back, she looked down at the hoodie on her, hugging herself.

And then she let out the most heartbreaking sob I had ever heard.

"I didn't know where to go," she cried, dropping her head into her hands. "I still don't know where to go."

My heart caved, and I didn't hesitate as I wrapped my arms around her trembling body, pulling her into my chest.

After everything I said to her, she still came back.