The words had left my mouth without hesitation because it was true.
She was mine.
And now? Now, I was going to protect her with everything I had.
I pulled into my underground garage, and Ryan was already outside before the car came to a full stop. I stepped out first, scanning the area before rounding Elise’s side and offering my hand.
The moment we stepped into the elevator, the air between us thickened, charged with something unspoken.
She wasn’t just here because she needed safety. She was here because I needed her close.
The elevator doors slid open moments later, and she stepped out first, her shoulders tense. I followed, watching her before I tossed my jacket onto the couch and walked toward the kitchen. “Make yourself comfortable. I’m making tea.”
She shook her head. “You don’t have to.”
“I know,” I didn’t look back as I put the kettle on. “Please sit. I’m worried you’re going to fall over.”
By the time I returned, she was curled up on the couch, looking impossibly small against the cushions. I handed her the tea, watching as she took a sip.
Chamomile. Her favorite.
“Thank you,” she murmured.
I sat across from her, leaning forward. “Tell me what happened.”
She hesitated. “You heard most of it.”
“I want to hear it from you.”
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed before she told me everything.
About Jax.
About the abuse.
About the night the cops saved her life.
“They received dozens of calls a day regarding domestic abuse, and apparently they were expecting a body when the neighbors called them to report a disturbance. Theywould’vefound a body had not our neighbors called when they did and the police hadn’t arrived on time. They arrested him and I haven’t seen him since they put the handcuffs on him, but he’s out of jail now and seems like he wants to finish what he started.” Every word she said made my blood boil, but I kept my expressionunder control. “I try not to think about what would happen if the cops didn’t show up when they did but,” She drew in a shuddering breath. “Sometimes I think I don't deserve to be one of the lucky ones.” Elise whispered and I snapped.
I was in front of her in seconds, cupping her face in my hands, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at me.
“Don’t ever say that again,” I warned, my voice rough with barely restrained fury. “You didn’t deserve what he did to you. No woman does.”
Her lips trembled. “I should’ve left after the first time.”
“Men like that are master manipulators,” I said, my voice low and dangerous. “They make you think it’s your fault. It’s not. You hear me baby? It’s not your fault.”
Her eyes welled with tears. One slid down her cheek, then another.
And I couldn’t take it.
I sat on the couch and pulled her into my lap, wrapping my arms around her.
She didn’t resist.
She just curled into me, her body shaking.
And I knew then, without a doubt, I’d do whatever it took to keep her safe.
