Page 117 of You Know Why

“Trey, you’re not making sense.”

“I made someone a promise, and I haven’t delivered.”

“What is it? This promise?”

He raked a hand through his hair. “That you don’t need to know. Can’t know. It’s too dangerous. Shit, this whole conversation could get us both in serious trouble.”

“Now you’re scaring me.”

He nodded. “I’m sorry, forget I ever said anything. Everything is fine, okay? We’re going home. And nothing will bother us again.”

“You don’t get to hint at something dreadful, then just walk it back like it’s nothing. Tell me what you promised. Who you promised.”

But he shook his head.

“I’ll take care of this. You rest.” And he disappeared out the door.

I went to the window and waited for him to leave the hotel. He did, moments later, striding out into the plaza and down the alley.

What the hell was that all about?

When he came back, it was dark, and he wouldn’t look me in the eye. He went straight to the shower and stood there until the hot water ran out. Finally, he wrapped a towel around his hips and sat on the edge of the bed, a hand splayed across my belly. The baby flipped over lazily, showing off for his father.

“Now will you talk to me?” I asked gently.

“It’s all fixed. Nothing to worry about.”

“So you kept your promise?”

He sighed. “I did.”

“What was it?”

He was quiet for so long, I thought he wouldn’t speak. But finally, he did, and rocked my world.

“I can’t tell you everything, okay? Certainly not details. And that’s for your own safety, as much as mine.” He crawled onto the bed, tucked me into his arms. “There are going to be things about me, about my life before us, and maybe after us, that I can’t share with you. There may even be times when I need to disappear for a little while. I will always come back, Brooklyn. Always.”

“What are you, some sort of spy?”

“I’m not a spy. I came here for you. I will always protect you.”

I pulled myself away from his embrace. “I don’t need protecting.”

“Yes, you do. You’re my responsibility, and I won’t let anything happen to you. Ever.”

“Trey, you’re not making sense.”

“Babe, there are bad people in the world. Sometimes you have to compromise yourself to make sure the ones you love are safe.”

“Did these bad people find you?”

“They found you.”

“Me? What does that mean?”

“Babe, I know.”

I froze. “What did you say?”