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CHAPTERTHIRTY-FIVE
VANESSA
Iclosed my eyes and turned the steering wheel to the left as far as it would go. The car veered off the tracks and into a tree. I felt my head fall forward, but the airbags deployed just as it was about to hit the dashboard. My hands went to my sides as I fiddled with the seatbelt until I could get out of it. Finally, I opened the car door, knelt, and gasped for air.
When I got to the other side of the car, I sawDylanflat on his back and breathing heavily. His face was bloodied, and he appeared to have broken his nose. The gun was at his side, and I ran for it without thinking.
I grabbed it,aimingthe gun at him.
Dylan rose slowly, his hands in the air. "What are you waiting for? Go ahead!" He called my bluff by opening his arms to me. He, like his father, underestimated me.
The screech of a car approaching us snatchedmy attention away. Ethan stoodin front of me, holding a gun. A shiver ran down my spine as I saw his angry expression.
He walked over tohim slowly, almost like a lion stalking his prey. He gazed over at Dylan, who was staggering to his feet. Ethan cocked the gun and took aim. He got his arm.
Ethanfroze; he stood there looking at him, consumed by the lies and deceit.
"Ethan!" I called.
Dylan took his chance and vanished into the bushes in the blink of an eye. He wanted to run after him but had Tristan and Ryan chase him instead.
"Ethan!" I called once more. He stoppedwhen he noticed the bruises on my face from the accident.
I felt safe when our gazes met. A thousand other emotions rushed over me, but deep within me, I felt safe.
Ethan ran to me and wrapped his arms around me in the tightest, most emotional hug.
Unhindered, tears of relief and joy streamed down my cheeks. I squeezed him as tightly as I could, refusing to let anything change what I had at the time.
"I've never been so terrified in my life," Ethan's deep voice rumbled in my ear as he clutched me to his chest.
"How did you find me?"
"I tracked your phone." Ethan drew back from me.
His eyes were bloodshot and red. "Did he hurt you?" He examined my arms. "You're covered in scars, Vanessa." He let me go and cupped my face where a nasty bruise had formed.
He snatched me up in another hug. "I am so sorry, Vanessa. I never intended for you to be hurt. I promised to keep you safe."
"You did. You're here now."
"Yes. Yes. I am." He hugged me even more tightly.
Tristan and Ryan returnedfrom the woods empty-handed. Dylan had vanished. I saw Ethan's face turn red with rage at the news, but it quickly returned to normal when he looked my way.
"He'll be dead the next time I see him. I guarantee you that he will never touch you again," he said with a bravado that I knew was meant to make me feel safer.
"Ethan!" I cut him off rather abruptly. "Please, no more talk of killing, dying, or anything else." I started crying. "I'm just exhausted and terrified. It's all over, but my heart is racing, and…"
I sobbed uncontrollably in Ethan's arms; heremained silent. He cradled me while I sobbed and held me quietly while I cried.
"It's all right now, Vanessa. I'm here. You're safe and sound with me," he promised me, clutching me close. "I will never let you go."
In his strong embrace, I felt much better. I raised my eyes to him. "I want to go home," I said quietly. "I just want to lie in bed and be held by you."
Ethan nodded and smiled a little. His smile was small, but it made my heart feel a little lighter.
"I love you, Vanessa. Don't go around being kidnapped by other men," he teased, but I could tell he meant it by the look in his eyes. He didn't want to be without me again. That was a sentiment I shared.
“I love you, Ethan.”
