Page 42 of Let Me Protect You

“Shhh. It’s okay. You don’t have to tell me.”

“Y-you’ll find out sooner or later, and I’d rather I tell you than someone else.” Her voice breaks off. She picks up her head and meets my gaze. Tears pool in her bright blue eyes. “When he returned at the end of August, he introduced me to his pregnant wife.”

Out of everything she could’ve said, that’s not what I was expecting. “That mother fucker.”

Abigail’s eyes widened. “Since when do you swear? I guess the city really hardened you.”

“No, I said it because he really is.”

“Please don’t take it out on Sophie. She comes in with her nanny often and is the sweetest little girl.”

I place my hand over my heart and say, “I promise. But where’s the wife?”

“She died a few months after Sophie was born.” Abigail’s voice wobbles. “I never wanted her dead, but sometimes I feel like it’s my fault with all of my negative energy.”

I tighten my arms around her. “It wasn’t your fault.”

Her shoulders slump forward. “I know, but on the hard days, it’s difficult to remember.”

We stay like that, hugging each other. This was what I needed when I was in New York, but I couldn’t reach out to her. Even when she called and sent me texts, I ignored her, and that’s something I’ll never be able to forgive myself for.

After another few minutes, she wipes under her eyes and asks, “Do you want to watch a movie?”

As much as I want to, Elias is still waiting for me outside. “I can’t right now. Do you want to hang out over the weekend?”

She taps the side of her chin, and her face lights up. “How about we go out, meet some guys, and drink tonight?”

I throw my head back and laugh. Even though she’ll probably hold a torch for John for the rest of her life, I won’t hold her back from going back out there and finding someone. She deserves to find happiness. Also, it’s Saturday night, and we open late on Sundays. So, why not? “Sounds like fun.”

Chapter 21

Harmony

After a forty-five-minute drive to the closest dance club, we’re finally here.

Elias prowls behind us, and I can sense his frustration. He and I went back and forth on why this isn’t a good idea, but he gave in on one condition: I had to agree that he could act like my boyfriend so we can stay closer together. I feel like it’s more of getting revenge on me than protecting me. How can I be so close to him, pretending we’re together, without falling into a trap?

A shiver climbs up my spine.

That’s not why I’m wearing the lacy bra and panties my sister bought me at Lana’s when I wasn’t looking.

We pass a group of women in their early to mid-twenties who wobble on high heels as they navigate the cobblestone alley. When I raided Abigail’s closet, I was scared my dress was too revealing, but I look too proper in comparison to the other women—not that I’m judging.

An icy wind lashes against me, and I lean into Abby. “This place better be worth it,” I say through chattering teeth.

“It is. I promise.”

Elias opens the door to The Garage, and loud dance music pumps out. The flashing colorful lights make me blink a few times, and I haven’t gone inside yet. I have never been to this place since I was too young when I left, but it had always been on my bucket list.

Before I can enter, Elias holds me back with his free hand and whispers in my ear, “Please, stay close to me. There are too many unknowns here.”

Abigail gives us a strange look but goes inside. After our heart-to-heart earlier, I should’ve filled her in, but I didn’t want to put my troubles on her shoulders, too.

I ignore how Elias’s fingers scorch my freezing shoulder. “Fine.”

He pulls me in close, and his fingers brush my hair behind my ear. His heart pounds against mine. Our breaths mingle in a cloud of cold air, and if he doesn’t release me soon, then I’m sure my heart will fly out of my chest and beg for him to keep it.

He leans down and whispers in my ear, “I mean it. My only priority is to keep you safe.”