Page 31 of Cruel Salvation

“Naz, I didn’t mean that how it came out. I don’t think you’re a monster, I’m just being an over-protective asshole.”

She knew deep down he wasn’t a bad man, he was one of the best she’d ever met, but the fact he could say that to her or even think it of her, proved it could never work. They were too different. He was good and kind, caring and so fucking smart, and she was a broken doll chasing ghosts from her past on a constant loop.

The fight seemed to drain out of her, leaving her feeling empty and exhausted down to her bones. “You’re not an asshole, Damon, but I don’t think this can work. You’re right. I take too many risks, I’m selfish and too rigid to change. Let’s just walk away and put this down to a mistake.”

“So that’s it? One wrong move and you decide we can’t work? That’s bullshit, Naz. You’re running because you’re scared.”

“Maybe I am, and I don’t know if I can ever stop.”

“I’m not giving up on us.”

“You don’t have a choice, Damon.”

“There’s always a choice, Naz. I was a prick for saying those things and I’m so sorry, but I won’t give up, because I see the woman you are and the one you want to be, and I’m head over heels for both.”

“Don’t say that.”

His hand cupped her face and her eyes fell closed to keep the tears that wanted so badly to fall from sliding down her face.

“I’m not going anywhere, Naz, no matter how hard you try and push me away.”

Her phone ringing felt like a reprieve, and she turned away, answering it gratefully. “Hey, boss man, what’s up?”

She knew her voice sounded off, but after a slight pause where she prayed Bás would let it go, he responded.

“Simon Dorsey just walked into the centre asking to speak to you. He has no recollection of the last few days.”

Relief tugged at her shoulders but also a tinge of melancholy because it meant this little trip was over and Damon would likely go home. He’d said he wasn’t going anywhere but what man would wait around for someone like her?

“Thank God. Have we picked him up?”

“Yes, Snow and Titan are bringing him to us so we can question him before the police get to him.”

“Good, I’m on my way. Any sign of Jones?”

“No, nothing.”

“Well, I have information about that. She isn’t really Kelly Jones. Her name is Andrea Peston and she’s the daughter of one of the scientists working on the drug Rhea Winslow used on the soldiers.”

“Shit. How did you find that before Will and Watchdog?”

“Just luck. Something about her was niggling me and I fell down a rabbit hole because of something Damon said.”

She could feel his eyes on her but refused to look at him. It hurt too much.

“Well, thank God for that. I’ll get Watchdog on it and see what else we can find and you two head home. Good work, Lotus.”

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Lotus?”

“Yes?”

“We’re gonna have a long talk when you get back.”

Well, that sounded ominous and awful and like she’d rather pluck her eyeballs out with a spoon. “Sure.”

“I mean it. It’s well overdue.”