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I can't breathe. I can't think.
Relieved, I replay his words. Dexter has fallen.
What does this mean for Brandon? I picture Brandon's face—the smugness that usually plays on his lips—and wonder how it will crumble when he realizes his ally is gone.
“But... Brandon? He was working with Dexter,” I stammer out. “If Brandon learns about Dexter... He might do something drastic. Asher?—”
“We're moving on him next.” There's a steeliness in his tone I've never heard before—the sound of finality. “Dexter said Brandon had plans to take Asher overseas. Where are you?”
“Overseas? He can't. Wait,canhe?” My voice cracks, and I swallow the lump forming in my throat.
“No, because I won't let him. Did you return to your place? I'll pick you up on the way. “
“No.” I make my way back to the car. “I stayed at Brandon's place last night.”
“What?” The alarm in his voice stops me.
“I had to be near Asher when I didn't hear back from you. I'll meet you at the club.”
I arrive at Club Allure in record time. One of the club’s security guards lets me pass, and another one guides me inside.
“Hello, Kristine.” I hear a soft voice coming out of the darkness.
“Ethan!” I shout, excited.
He takes a step toward me, closing the door behind us. His face is slightly swollen and his shirt is a little stained and torn, but he looks intact.
Excitement fills my heart at the sight of him, and without being able to help myself, I throw myself straight into his arms.
“Oh, Ethan. Thank goodness you're okay!”
I begin to cry uncontrollably as I bury my face in his neck.
He pulls me tight against him. His arms are firm and strong around my waist as he strokes my hair, inhaling the scent of my skin. “You're safe now,” he promises.
His tone of voice conveys so much calmness to me. He certainly looks calmer than I expected. I break away from him slightly and look at him in amazement. At the same time, Ethan gives me a small smile.
I look at him, and he takes my hands. “Come, sit down,” he tells me. He leads me over to sit, and for the first time, I notice Dexter, who still has the same sour expression.
“Ethan, please... I don't understand anything that is happening.”
“What’s happening is that our plan worked,” Ethan assures me, then looks at Dexter. “Mr. Whitmore has realized that it isnot in his best interest to go against me and has agreed to help us for a small fee.”
Dexter looks hatefully at Ethan, who only smiles.
“What's the price?”
“Ethan has promised not to send me to jail for the rest of my life if I cooperate with you,” Dexter admits reluctantly.
I feel the weight of the truth fall on my shoulders. “Ethan, how did you...?” I start to say, completely dumbfounded.
But Ethan shakes his head. “That doesn't matter now. The important thing, sweetheart, is that this is finally all over. We can get your son back.”
“Asher,” I whisper excitedly.
Ethan nods. “Apparently, Brandon has plans to send Asher to a boarding school overseas without telling you.”
“He can't,” I exclaim as Ethan continues.
