Walk back to her.
Take her hand again.
Like I never let go.
I lift it, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles, my voice dropping low.
“Sorry I let go for a second, Sweetheart,” I murmur. “Had to take out the trash.”
Her fingers tighten around mine.
Not pulling away.
Not hesitating.
And that?
That feels better than the punch.
I don’t look back.
Don’t give that place—or that man—another second of my attention.
Because I’m done.
Done letting him take anything else from me.
I lead her back to the truck.
And this time?
When I get in?
I don’t feel like I’m leaving something behind.
I feel like I just took something back.
Chapter 15-Esme
I probably shouldn’t be smiling.
After that?
After the tension, the shouting, the way the air practically crackled with years of anger and unfinished business?
Yeah, I should be shaken.
Unnerved.
Maybe even a little scared.
Instead?
I’m floating.
Absolutely, ridiculously floating.
Because Benjamin Gunner just stood up to the man who’s been looming over his life like some kind of dark storm cloud—and he didn’t back down.
