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Jensen spent over a week in the hospital recovering from her wounds. Some were superficial, whereas others were no doubt going to leave scars. Not to mention the mental scars. Jake was pronounced dead on the scene. They said he hadn’t been dead long, which meant he suffered for some time before death took over. Jensen had a hard time with that. I was glad that motherfucker was dead for what he did to her, but her sweet heart felt sorry for him. No one deserved death as a punishment for their mistakes.
Sylvia was arrested that night and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and attempted murder. Her father was there to save her, but even he couldn’t cover up the murder. This time, she would pay for what she’d done. It didn’t mean though he wasn’t fighting tooth and nail to minimize her sentence.
“Just tell me and get it over with. I’m fine. It won’t affect me.” I stare into her eyes, knowing she’s lying. Anytime we get a call about the past, her nightmares return. My guilt returns, and it sets us back to a time we both want to forget. “Damien, I promise. I know I’m safe here. I feel safe. You make me feel safe.”
I drop my lips to hers. She always claims I’m her savior… If I hadn’t shown up, Sylvia would have taken her life. She would be dead. It fucking guts me anytime she says that. At times I’ve lost my shit and exploded on her for her choice of words. Even the mention of possible death. To think, if I hadn’t gotten there when I had, she could be dead…I’d never forgive myself.
“Damien. Spit it out.”
“She was denied the lesser plea. Jake’s parents’ lawyer made a strong case. Our lawyer came through, and your video testimony held in court. You don’t have to go back.” There’s a blast of relief in her eyes. Most of her nightmares revolve around facing Sylvia again. “Also, two more girls in the sorority have come forward claiming Sylvia attacked them a couple years back. We won. They denied her transfer, so she’ll stay at the county ward. No spa facility for her, the original plea stands. Thirty to life.”
She releases the breath she’s been holding since I began talking. There’s relief in her eyes. She was worried Sylvia would walk. I cup her face, kissing her gently. “She’s never going to hurt anyone again.”
“I know.”
“No one is going to hurt you again.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “I know,” she repeats. It’s hard for her to accept, but she knows I’ll never let anyone, or anything hurt her ever again. She pulls away, and I frown at the absence of her warm body pressed against mine. She reaches for my glass and takes a hefty swig. I can’t help but smile at my girl. Not a single twitch of her lip at the stiff scotch. She truly is fierce in her own way.
I can’t stand the space between us any longer and wrap my arm around her waist, pulling her back into me. I bend down and snuggle my nose into her hair. I love her scent. She smells of beauty, innocence, and peace. Her arms are back around me, and I want to say fuck the idea I’m about to suggest and carry her to our bed and lick, suck, fuck every single part of her. But this isn’t about me.
I slightly pull away. “How about we go out and celebrate? We’ll head into town and take the gondola up to Venice. I’ll bring the camera and we can search out a small eatery. One with cheese and crepes and wine, and everything else my girl likes.”
Five months ago, I asked Jensen to come with me, anywhere. Just away from Chicago. Nothing was holding me there. The insurance concluded arson on the club. Jake was identified in the tapes as the person who set the fire. The payout was even larger than the sale I had written up, so I was all-around satisfied. Fredrick was in the wind. He was cleared of any wrongdoings and took off. Patricia’s death was ruled an accident. The university held a beautiful memorial.
Kade’s body was never found. No remains were recovered in the wreckage of the fire. They eventually ruled him deceased and closed the books on his case. Later, when the trial first began, Fredrick’s testimony informed us he pinpointed the death of Patricia on Kade, telling the jury about his captivity and her being locked in my office. He was smart to keep my name out of it, saying it was all Kade’s doing. The guilt of his death still sits heavy on me. There was no family to contact. Not a single person I was able to find, so I spared no expense with a funeral and plot.
