That made me throw back my head and let out a loud burst of laughter.
“You don’t own me!” she spat, still working to keep control.
“No I don’t, but damn if I don’t think I want to. Every inch of your body, mind, heart and soul.”
I hadn’t meant to say that, it had fallen from my lips on their own accord.
“What?” she whispered as her body deflated and I saw the anger finally seep from her body.
“I tried to tell you a second ago.” I waved my hand between the two of us. “There is something going on here.” Then I grabbed one of her hands softly in mine.
Capri looked down at our hands and then back up into my eyes.
“I don’t want you or anyone to get hurt because of me.”
“I promise to help you and not only keep you safe, but everyone else too. I will do everything in my power to make that happen. Will you let me try?”
Her eyes told me her answer before the words left her mouth and I felt a woosh of air leave my body. Thank God.
“Yes. I’ll let you help me.”
I couldn’t help but reach out and pull her into my embrace and hold her. She went willingly and we stayed that way for a couple minutes. My gaze went over her shoulder to the kitchen counter where I noticed a piece of paper laid and realized she left a note.
When I released her, I pointed to the letter. “May I read it?”
Capri turned and looked in the direction I was pointing. I could tell she struggled with saying yes once again, but in the end she did. I walked over to the note and picked it up off the counter and started reading.
Just the small note shredded my heart because even without a lot of detail, I felt her sorrow and pain.
I was going to keep my promise and Capri would have the life she deserved.
Hopefully one that included me.
* * *
My emotions were mixed all togetheras though they had been put in a blender and turned on high.
Anger rushed through me at the thought of Capri being in danger. Gratitude that the owner of the bakery space was a good person who’d helped a perfect stranger out in a time of need, giving her a resource she clearly needed. Sorrow hearing she obviously lost people close to her. And then, swirling with all of that was happiness at hearing she was feeling something for me too.
When I looked into Capri’s captivating eyes that shimmered with uncertainty, I knew she was wondering if she’d made the right choice.
“You’re doing the right thing, sweetheart.” Then I held the note up in front of us and rattled it a bit. “While we have a lot to talk about after reading this letter and your planned escape, I want to address one thing first. You never have to be alone again and you were unexpected for me too, but it was a wonderful surprise.”
A rose-colored sheen swept across her beautiful face and she ducked her head. Obviously she’d thought she would be long gone when I read the note.
Thank fuck she didn’t get away from me.
“Go put your stuff away, take a shower, and I’ll have some food delivered.”
Her head snapped up. “Demanding much?” she asked. Instead of sounding mad, her face held a small smirk and her tone was slightly playful.
“You like me that way,” I teased, trying to lighten the mood a smidgen because after we ate I knew the hard stuff was coming.
She rolled her eyes and shook her head. “You're incorrigible,” she muttered.
I gave what I knew would be a dimpled smile and she groaned.
“I’ll order and then we can talk over dinner,” I told her.
