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That heat. It was back, burning my face. “They’ll do for now. Can we just go?”
“Hold on.” Jase grabbed my phone and walked over, placing the clothes on the counter. When he turned, he snapped a pic, catching me by surprise. The smile that appeared as he stared down at the phone had me walking forward. The emotion and softness behind it was…real. “There. Sent.” He handed me over the cell, pulling out his wallet to pay. The woman in the photo had me looking down in an odd sense of disbelief. It was me, but I almost didn’t recognize myself. The bruises didn’t really show, and yet when I looked at myself in person, the marks were all I saw. Were they really leaving me for good? I knew at some point they’d disappear, but somehow over the weeks, they’d become a part of who I was. I’d let them define me. Override my own recognition of myself. I barely remembered what I looked like without them.
Tears clouded my vision as I reached into my purse for my sunglasses. When Jase’s voice called out to me, I didn’t dare look up from the text. I followed him out of the store, keeping my stare focused on the phone as much as I could.
Tiff: Look at you! Okay, I feel better now. You’re shopping!
Me: I can’t go back to my apartment yet. It’s only a few things.
Tiff: I’m borrowing that dress when this is over with. Where’d you get it?
I paused.
Me: I’m not sure. I didn’t buy it. It was a gift.
Tiff: Who in the world is this “friend”? Have I met him?
Me: No. I met him recently.
I glanced up in time to see Jase open the passenger side door to his car. He quickly stepped in my path.
“You’re upset.”
“I’m fine.”
“You’re not. You may be wearing glasses, but I’ve had weeks to study everything I can about you. I know you better than you think.”
My head lowered again as I scrolled back up to the picture. I turned the device, showing him.
“You don’t like it?”
“I don’t know it.” Still, I tried holding in the flood gates that wanted to break free. I wanted to sob. To lash out. To do anything but feel the shock and pain that came from the stranger I had become. “When I look at the picture, I don’t recognize that person. I don’t know what’s happening.”
Jase stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me. The contact was heaven and hell all in one. It was his protection, his care, and it was too much for the part that suddenly felt I didn’t deserve anything. Not kindness. Not gifts. Sure as hell not comfort.
“Shh. It’s okay. As horrible as it sounds, this is normal. I’ve been there. It’s going to take time.”
My sob had me burying my face into his chest even more. It was not the time for breakdowns, yet I couldn’t stop the heaves that wracked my body. Why hadn’t I noticed the change before when I was putting on the makeup? Why hadn’t I caught a glimpse of myself then? I knew why. I was so focused on covering my new, injured self that I couldn’t see the old me through the light veil of colors. Even if they were barely existent anymore.
“I’m here for you. I told you that. It’s going to be okay.”
Fingers pushed in my hair, supporting my head. The warmth from his breath settled above as he leaned down over me and tightened his hold. My eyes closed and a sense of calm rolled through as I clutched to the back of his shirt. I could almost make myself believe I was safe. Trapped, but safe. Restrained…but safe.
“Mr. Colter? Mr. Colter, Gabe Wray from the Chronicle—”
“Shit. Time to go. Cover your face.” Jase kept me to his chest, spinning me towards the open door as the man called out questions.
“Can you identify the woman you’re with? Is she your girlfriend? Mr. Colter, can you comment on You2’s partnership with Viper security? What about the—”
“Back. Up.” He helped me into my seat. “Our users’ safety is our top priority. That’s all. Now, step back.”
He shut my door, heading around. When his door opened, the questions were still coming. He ignored them, closing himself in and shutting the door the moment he was able. The engine turned over, but it didn’t stop the reporter from snapping pictures towards our dark tinted windows.
“And here I thought we were going to get out unscathed. Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Do you know that guy?”
Jase glanced over as he pulled the car onto the road.
