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I lick my lips and nod, fighting the tears that are threatening to fall. “It wasn’t worth it to stay and find out what could have happened, so I left. Knowing that charges wouldn’t stick, it really forced my hand. I packed my shit, deleted my social media, got a new cell number, and ran. I didn’t think he was ever going to find me, and then three months ago the calls started coming in.”
Python takes my hand, his jaw set. “Well, he has. But I’m not going to let him lay a finger on you, Astra. We’ll figure this out, I promise.”
Despite Python’s reassurance, fear coils in my stomach.
Tony has tracked me across the border, driven by his obsession.
He won’t stop until he gets what he wants—me, dead or alive.
Honestly, I think he’s going to kill me.
He kept telling me about punishment, so he must be keen on hurting me.
This is only the beginning of the nightmare.
I give Python’s hand a grateful squeeze, trying to calm my pounding heart. “He knew what color my shirt was, Python. That means he can see me.” I try to steady my voice, but I can’t do it any longer.
My walls fall down and tears begin sliding down my cheeks.
Python’s eyes search mine. “Did he mention any other specifics?”
I shake my head. “Yeah, he saw my blue shirt, and then when you came in he asked if you were my boyfriend. Which obviously means he must have eyes on the café already.”
Python curses under his breath. “What did you tell him, about me being your boyfriend?”
I swallow hard, not sure how he’s going to take this. “I told him yes, because I thought maybe he’d back off.”
A slight smile tugs at the corner of his lips. “I’d like to be your boyfriend, you know. I’m not like him, Astra. I’m going to keep you safe, no matter what it takes.”
I never thought I’d be willing to open my heart up to anyone, but I want to open myself up to Python.
I honestly think he could protect me, and that he’d do his best to keep me safe. “I’d like that.”
Something about Python makes me feel safe.
It’s like every time I’m in his presence, an invisible protective field surrounds me.
Python places a hand on my cheek and kneels down, “I want you at the clubhouse for a while. Stay with me, or I can come here.”
I hesitate. “You don’t have to. I can stay with Daniela if she’s home, or at her apartment while she’s away.”
“Astra, think about this.” His tone tells me he’s not going to take no for an answer. “It makes zero sense for you to go somewhere where you could be alone. If you’re at the club, there are plenty of people there, which will disway Tony.”
Tears continue to slide down my cheeks, “Manuel, thank you. Thank you for everything.”
He gives me a grim smile. “Don’t thank me yet. We still have to deal with this bastard.”
I cling to his promise like a lifeline.
With Python protecting me, maybe I’ll be able to be free of Tony for good.
9
Python
My hand is steady as I reach for the sign, flipping it with a flick of the wrist.
There’s no way she’s having any clients come in right now, not with Tony lurking around.
