He released another exhale, this one deep and so gritty. Several more, just like that one, came out before he said, “Has he done anything like this before?”
“No. I promise.”
I didn’t understand why, but I also needed to say those words for me. As though, in my head, I needed to reconfirm that tonight had been an exception and that was the reason I’d stayed living there. That things had never been this bad.
“I need your address.”
“Why?”
“Because I’m going to fucking kill him.”
“No.”
“Alivia—”
“No!” My voice came out so loud that I scared myself. I unraveled from his hold and gripped his shoulders. “Please, I don’t want that. I don’t want any more violence. I will go back there in the morning when he’s more sober and get my phone and?—”
“You’re never going back there.”
I searched his eyes. “But I left my phone. And my purse. My clothes. And?—”
“You’ll have everything you need by tomorrow morning.” He caressed my cheek. “But you’re not going anywhere near that house unless I’m with you.” His fingers straightened, and he cupped my face. “And I’m telling you right now, if I go there, I will kill him.”
My hands dived into the sides of my hair.
I still couldn’t think.
This was so much.
“But I live there, Walker.”
“Baby, you live here now.”
The tears were so thick that I could barely see his face.
“If you’re not ready to live with me, you can stay with Eden. Or I’ll pay for your apartment. But there’s no way in hell you’re ever living with that man again.” He rubbed my arms. “I will not have you jeopardize your safety for any reason, especially a financial reason.”
“I … don’t know what to say.”
Everything was happening.
Changing.
Moving.
And I couldn’t breathe.
“Come here.” He folded me against his chest, where all I felt was the warmth of his skin and the security of his arms. “I’ve got you.”
Me
It’s Alivia. I have a new phone number. And I have so much to tell you.
Lex
Why a new number? What’s going on?
Me
