Page 119 of Property of Whiskey

“Yeah.”

“That means something.”

“Means he loves you.”

“I know.”

“Then why are you still here?”

She starts walking toward me.

“I don’t know. Maybe because Kaylee was terrified of police. Bullet was gentle with her. Maybe because you could’ve done a hundred terrible things to me and didn’t.”

I look at her.

“Did plenty.”

“You know what I mean.”

“Do I?”

“Yes.”

She stops close enough that I can see the dampness still caught along her lower lashes.

“You uncuffed me.”

“Yeah.”

“You gave me a choice.”

“Yeah.”

“You keep telling me you’re dangerous, Whiskey.”

“I am.”

“Then stop acting like I’m made of glass.”

That gets under my skin.

“Woman, I tackled you into dirt yesterday.”

“And I almost got you off me.”

“You almost got me off.” I take one step toward her.

She doesn’t move.

“Why’d you stay?”

Her voice drops. “Why do you care?”

“Because I need to know if I’m losing my goddamn mind.”

That stops her.

“Fuck it.”