“I don’t care why you agreed, just as long as you do.” He lay down and pulled me in close.
“Thank you,” I whispered, letting the rise and fall of his chest soothe me.
He squeezed me tighter, making sure to avoid my arm. “For what, baby?”
“For everything, I guess.”
“If you had asked me to do anything, you could thank me. But everything I did, I did for me.”
“How do you figure?”
“Because I had to know I did everything in my power to protect you. You were mine even though you didn’t know it.”
I couldn’t stop the grin on my face. Maybe this could work out. I thought back to the parking lot and to Simon’s face as he grabbed me. “Do you think it’s over? Do you think he’ll come after me again?”
Cane stilled behind me. “Honestly, I don’t know. I don’t think so. Did you get pictures of the bruising?”
“Yeah, Kari took pictures after Max left to get you or whatever happened.”
“Do you want to call the police?”
“Can we figure it out tomorrow? I just can’t deal with this tonight. I’m so tired.”
Cane’s chest began to rise and fall again in a steady pattern. “If that’s what you want.”
“Don’t you need a shower?” I asked, my eyes getting droopy.
He kissed the top of my head. “I just want to hold you while you fall asleep.”
I snuggled into him, closing my eyes. I had fought against being in that exact position for so long on the basis that it would leave me feeling incomplete. There I was, wrapped in his arms, and I felt more comfortable than I ever had anywhere before.
“I could get used to this.”
“It is pretty nice.”
“I’m afraid to close my eyes,” he whispered against my ear as I began to drift off.
“Why?”
“I don’t know. I guess I feel like we just got our shit straight, and I want to live in this moment for longer.”
“I told you that you could be a nice guy.”
Chuckling, he kissed the top of my head again. “You tell anyone, and I’ll deny it.”
“Your secret is safe with me, Cane.”
TWENTY-THREE
Jada
The Arizona sunwas relentless the following morning. Despite the drawn curtains, the bright light woke me early. I groaned, turning to look at the clock. I held my arm in the air to get a better look. There were distinct purple marks, but it wasn’t too bad.
I glanced over beside me to see an empty bed. The covers were torn back, reminding me that Cane had been there with me. It hadn’t been a dream. My eyes roamed the room, searching for any sign of him. There was nothing, besides my memory and the wrinkled comforter, to indicate he had ever been there at all.
My stomach sank.I’m a fool. He woke up regretting everything, just like I knew he would.
I took a deep breath and seriously contemplated staying in bed for the rest of the day.I’ve been through worse. I’ll make it through this, too. Get up. Get some coffee. One foot in front of the other.
