Page 108 of Abundance of Obsession

“Say it, Zoe,” I say firmly. Not to calm her down, but because that’s the truth. And it’s not a lie. She’s not going anywhere. There’s no way I’m losing her to that bastard.

“I had nothing to do with it,” she finally says, though I can tell it’s hard for her.

If she repeats it enough times… she’ll believe it.

“Good girl. I’m here, sweetheart.”

“I’m in the side alley.”

I turn off the engine, jump out of the car, and run to the place she’s talking about. Turning the corner, I step into the darkness. At first, I don’t see anyone, and only when my eyes adjust to the darkness do I make out the silhouette of a figure lying a dozen steps away. Or rather, feet sticking out from behind a dumpster.

One hundred percent sure, there’s nothing I wouldn’t do for this woman. No one I wouldn’t kill. No line I wouldn’t cross.

“Zoe? Where—?”

And then I see her. She’s sitting huddled against a brick wall, head buried in her arms. The whole of her body is shaking. She’s in shock. But at the sound of my voice, she slowly raises her head.

Blood runs down her face, wild eyes dart about, and her lips tremble.

No, no, no.

Crouching slowly, I touch her shoulders. “Are you hurt?” Her head shakes, but I make sure by looking deep into her eyes. It’s just that she might not even know for sure—she’s in such a big state of shock.

I grab her by the shoulders and lift very slowly. “Is that his blood?” This time she nods, and gratitude fills my heart. “Can you walk, or should I carry you to the car?”

“I can walk,” she says with a weak voice. “But—”

“Don’t worry. The team’s already on their way. I told you I’d take care of everything. We’ll be back home in a bit, and I’ll take care of you. Just need to check on him first.”

“Check on him? How?”

“Leave it to me. Let’s go to the car.”

I wrap my arm around her waist and pull her close. Without my support, she would simply collapse.

“I’m a murderer,” she says to herself.

“You’re not. You had nothing to do with it, remember?”

“I didn’t—” she starts but doesn’t finish.

Before we emerge from the alley, I pull the hood over her head. We don’t need anyone to see her like this, covered in blood.

Zoe doesn’t say another word. We reach the car, and I sit her in the front seat, then crouch down beside her.

“I’ll be right back, okay, sweetheart? Just a few more minutes and I’ll be with you, and then we’ll go home.” I speak to her in a gentle voice. Her only response is a nod.

Closing the door, I go back to that damn spot. The place where I could have lost the person who means the most to me. And to the piece of trash I would kill with my bare hands if he were still alive.

He’s lying there with his eyes open. There’s a pool of blood around his head, and his face is all bruised up. It looks pretty bad. I get the vibe that he’s been in a fight today. I remember he’s a ring fighter. Plus, he’s still wearing shorts and a sweatshirt.

But he’s gotta have something on him. At least I hope so.

Who are you, Owen?

“Eli, we’re here.” A man’s voice speaks up behind me.

Glancing over my shoulder, I see three men and nod to them in greeting.