AllFreeNovel
Share Us
I made mistakes along the way, but I learned quickly. Cameron almost caught up to me twice, but I managed to make a quick getaway. I thought I covered my tracks really well, so you can imagine my surprise when he was able to track down my cell number. His voice was harsh, angry, and I knew if he ever did get to me, I’d be as good as dead.
Mentally breaking down in front of Chloe, no matter how embarrassing, was the best thing that could have happened. Chloe and Damian had me stay with them and took time off from work. The guys all checked in on me often. Alex devoted himself to bringing Cameron down.
When Cameron showed up at the clinic, Chloe knew who he was and contacted Damian immediately. Although he ran, they found him, and because of my testimony and the evidence found when I led the police to the house where I’d been imprisoned, Cameron is serving a minimum of ten years in prison.
I’m a survivor. And it’s time for me to pull myself together. Although I’m sad for a death, I’m going to be grateful that I’m still here and breathing, working toward the life I want.
I dress in my softest well-worn hoodie and leggings and make my way back out to the living room, where I find Alex on the small sofa, with the pizza box sitting in front of him. He studies me carefully.
“Come sit. Let’s eat while it’s still hot,” he says, patting the seat beside him. I take my place next to him. I start to reach over and open the box to grab a slice, not that I’m hungry at all, but it gives me something to do to keep my hands busy. Alex puts a hand under my chin and tilts my head back to meet his gaze. “You’ve been crying.”
I have no idea how to respond and instead bite my lower lip.
“My soft, sweet, little buttercup,” he murmurs. “Full of sunshine and love. This world is too harsh for such a delicate heart.” My heart is beating wildly, and I realize I’m holding my breath. His lips brush mine, the lightest touch, and still I feel like I’ve been branded. “You need to eat.” He releases me and puts a slice on a small plate, then grabs one for himself.
I watch from under lowered lashes as he props his feet on the coffee table and leans back into the cushions, taking me with him and plastering me to his side. He turns on the television and relaxes as he takes a bite. The smell of cheese and pepperoni are tempting me to take a bite of my own.
For the next hour, we watch mindless TV, and I finish two slices of pizza to the five Alex inhaled. I’m so tired that I’m leaning into him, and my eyes begin to droop.
“Close your eyes, baby. I’m here to protect you,” he tells me.
* * *
Alex
I let outa sigh of relief when I see that she’s asleep. Gently, I move us so that she’s resting her head on my chest, her legs curled under her body on the soft cushions of the sofa with my arm around her. I’ll stay like this all night as long as she gets a good night’s sleep.
I heard her crying in the shower. It damn near broke my heart. Knocking on the door didn’t seem like a good idea, but I didn’t want to leave her either. I sat outside the door until I heard the sobbing subside and the water turn off.
When she came out, her eyes were red and puffy, her skin pink from the hot water, and her hair was wet and piled on the top of her head with a clip. Even blotchy and red, she is by far the most exquisite woman I’ve ever seen. She’s even more beautiful tucked in beside me, fast asleep. I hunker down for the long haul, flipping the channel to the baseball game.
I must have drifted off, because next thing I know, Sabrina’s stirring and calling my name.
“Alex. Alex.” She gently shakes my shoulder, then her fingers trace down the length of my arm. “Let’s go to bed.”
I must be dreaming. Did she just invite me to her bed? My eyes blink open, and I see Sabrina on her feet, tugging on my hand.
“It’s okay, you take the bed. I’m good here,” I say. I don’t want her to feel obligated to share her bed just because I did last night to comfort her.
“Every time I close my eyes, I see him. On the ground. Bleeding,” she tells me. She doesn’t want to be in there alone.
I get up with her hand in mine, and she leads the way to her room. She snuggles under the covers while I take off my jeans and shirt, leaving me in my boxers. Sabrina looks at me, a blush rising to her cheeks, but then she pulls down the sheets for me to get in.
We lie in bed on our sides, then Sabrina shuffles closer.
I prop myself on my elbow and gaze down on her. “Can’t sleep?”
“Why was he there? Who would do that to him? What if he has a family? His wife and kids must be freaking out, wondering where he is,” she says softly.
“We’ll find out what happened. It’s not easy to see something like that and then put it out of your mind.”
“No, it isn’t.”
I move her closer and lie back down, our heads on the same pillow. “On nights that I see bad stuff, I think about all the best parts of the day. I’ll start.” I wait for her to nod. “Waking up this morning and feeling good to be with you,” I say, then add, “Your turn.”
“Awesome donuts.” She smiles.
“Seeing strawberry jelly on the corner of your mouth.” That earns me a giggle.
