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"Ruth Ambrose, you naughty girl. Why do you own pink fuzzy handcuffs?" I tease, locking them around our captives' wrists.
"You'll have to wait until later to find out," Ruth laughs. Then she throws herself into my arms, ugly crying as the tension drains out of her.
"I was so scared, Austin. I had a panic attack the moment I saw Snickers.” I realize the cat went all the way to the school to fetch Ruth and make a mental note to pick up some good tuna. “I knew something was wrong, and I thought you were hurt or worse. I ran all the way here."
She bawls, and I let her get it all out, rubbing her back and murmuring soothing words until she winds down.
“It’s going to be ok, alright? We’re going to clear out of here for a bit. Take a vacation. I need to go pick Max up from my buddy Buck.” I wait for her hiccuping sniffles to slow down. “You’ve never been to Texas, right? You’ll love it. Tons of animals.”
Ruth sniffles, looking up at me.
"You mean it? I was sort of afraid that you wouldn't stick around to protect me after you were sure I was safe."
I crush her against me, kissing the top of her head.
“Ruth, I’ll never leave you. I’m going to protect you for the rest of my life. No matter what it takes. You’re everything to me,” I quietly murmur against her ear and rock her gently in my arms.
Ruth starts sobbing again, hugging me tightly. I stay with her like that all night. Even after the cops have come and gone and taken the trash out, I don't stop holding Ruth. I carry her to bed and hold her all night.
Nothing will ever separate again.
