Eventually, Enzo made the first move to pull away. Having no choice, I followed. My feet dragged, hand clasped tightly in his.
In the kitchen, I pulled Enzo to a stop. Looking around, there was more than enough food laid out on the table. My eyes bounced from it to Ryker, who seemed just as unsure as me.
“I…have requests.” I cleared my throat and stood taller.
“I’m listening,” Ryker said, looking at me. He seemed surprised. I hadn’t requested anything at all in the time he’d known me.
“Don’t use us like Steven. Don’t put us against one another, because we will walk out that door.” I wouldn’t survive losing Enzo again. I refused to be a pawn any longer.
At my words, Ryker stood straighter, a soft look of awe on his face.
“Respect us, and we’ll respect you. We can’t…” My voice cracked. “We can’t go through it again.”
“Deal.” He didn’t have to think about answering. “I can promise you I’ll never do anything like that monster did to either of you. Ever.”
“Okay. Good.” I nodded my head. That was easier than I was expecting.
“How about we eat now? Afterwards, I have to step out and meet a client.” Enzo froze at the last word. “I’m an accountant. I have to go over his books with him. That’s all.”
Enzo was still beside me, holding his breath for a second longer. He didn’t move until I pulled on his hand again.
“When I’m out, I hope the two of you will talk. I’m sure there are many questions you both need to ask without the fear of me overhearing.”
I shot a look at Ryker, trying to tell him everything I couldn’t say. I was never more thankful for the man who had graciously opened his home to me and now Enzo.
I knew a happily ever after was a long way off, but maybe this could be the start of it. Just maybe, things could finally start looking up.
Emery
Enzo and I sat on the couch, a blanket around my shoulders. I was in my usual place, knees pulled up to my chest and eyes on the one person I’d been so sure I’d never see again.
He faced me, one leg bent under the other. I’d noticed as he walked over here that he had a limp. I wasn’t sure I wanted to know how he had ended up that way.
I had no clue where to start. So many questions ran through my mind, but fear and worry made me second guess everything.
“I never meant to hurt you,” Enzo started when I didn’t say a thing. “I didn’t know you got out until a few weeks ago. I asked Scarlett to track you down. I figured you’d still be with Steven, or dead.” He paused, watching my reaction.
“I almost was. Steven’s men were to take care of me.” I dropped my eyes, feeling dirty. I didn’t want to remember that time. Or anything before today, really. “The police stopped them before they finished the job.”
“Emery. Come here.” He opened his arms, inviting me to curl up against him.
I happily did just that. He grunted as my body crashed against his before his arms incased me.
I fought the tears, my body shaking as his arms rubbed up and down my back.
“How?” Surprisingly, the one word came out evenly. How did he not die? How had I been able to live? How did he live, thinking I was dead?
Most importantly, how could he be here, now, holding me like nothing had ever happened?
“Guess I’ll start at the beginning. Right after…” I must have made some sort of noise as he laughed lightly. “You haven’t changed. I worried, God have I worried, that you would have. Killing someone, even if you really didn’t, can change someone.”
“I killed you.” My words were muffled. “I—”
“Stabbed me. Yes. I have a nice gash that is scarring perfectly. Thanks for that.”
“Don’t joke.”
“Sorry.” He wasn’t. “When Steven’s men dumped my body, they weren’t very smart. Sloppy was more like it. I was left to finish bleeding to death near a homeless shelter. Someone saw me and called it in right away. I almost died. But I didn’t. Now, I’m here. Safe. With you. And nothing will be in our way again.”
