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I grin. “There’s no such thing as too good.”

He smirks back at me, his face filled with so much love that my heart expands in my chest, trying to break through my rib cage. “I love you,” he whispers. I nod, my usual response. He winks at me and stands. “Don’t move.”

I turn my head to watch his fine ass walk into the bathroom. When he returns, he has a washcloth in his hand. He kneels down on the bed and gently wipes between my legs. He tosses the washcloth onto the floor when he’s finished and lies back down on the bed, pulling me into him.

Snuggling up to him, I realize that I’m actually happy. It’s not an act anymore. I’m not pretending around everyone. I’m genuinely happy, but more than that, I’m healing.

And I have Nix to thank for that.

I want to tell him that I love him because I do, but I’m not ready yet. All I can do is hope that he means it when he says he’ll wait for me. It would destroy me if my fears took this away. He may be the best thing that has ever happened to me.

* * * *

On my way to the car to go to work, I get the sensation that someone is watching me. I can’t shake it. I can feel eyes boring into my back. Am I being watched or is all this stress with Ryan getting to me? Not willing to take the risk, I quicken my steps. I sigh with relief when I reach my car.

I open the door and slip behind the wheel. Leaning my head back against the headrest, I take a couple deep breaths and scold myself for overreacting. God, with Nix and my brothers all stressed out, I’m becoming just as paranoid as them. I’m honestly surprised Nix left me alone to go into the shop earlier. I had to promise I would call him before I left and as soon as I got to work.

I blow out a breath and open my eyes. Staring up at the roof of my car, I let my mind wander a little. I can’t seem to get my mind around the idea that Ryan would actually hurt me. Which is absurd because he has already hurt me. What is it with me always believing that there is some redeemable quality inside of him? He has proven over and over again that he doesn’t deserve my concern or faith. Especially with Nix in the picture now.

Let me show you my love, baby.

His words from that night at the bar flow through my mind and I smile. I’m thankful that I didn’t let my fear stop me from saying yes. But more than that, I’m thankful for Nix. It takes an incredible man to deal with all this. From my fear to my flashbacks, and add in the threats Ryan sporadically makes — Nix is my rock.

Eager to talk to him again, I turn to set my purse on the passenger seat so I can head to the bar and freeze. A small package wrapped in brown paper sits in the seat. Unease washes over me. How long has that been there? Did I even lock the doors when I got in the car? Shit, I need to be more careful. Nix, Tucker, and Trey would have a coronary if they knew I was being this careless.

My eyes dart up to the street, remembering the feeling of being watched as I made my way to my car. Scanning the area, I don’t see anything weird or out of place. This only serves to make me more nervous. I lock all the doors, but it doesn’t go away so I hit the lock button again. It still doesn’t help. I feel trapped in this car.

With trembling hands, I reach over and pick up the small box. I recognize the shape as another jewelry box instantly and I can feel the tears welling up in my eyes. I’ve never wanted to be left alone so much in my life. I want nothing more than to move on and be happy again. Why can’t he do that for me?

Slowly, I rip the paper off the box and my breath catches when my suspicions are confirmed. It’s another jewelry box. Briefly, I debate on whether I should open it or not, but in the end, I decide to just get it over with. I take a deep breath and lift the lid. A gasp flies out of my mouth.

It’s the engagement ring. I look down at the simple solitaire diamond ring nestled in the box. This ring used to mean so much to me but now it just makes my stomach churn. All I can see is pain and manipulation. My mind begins to wander again, wondering what would have happened if I hadn’t left, if I would have gone through with the wedding. I shudder. Shutting the thought down immediately because the reality of it is too ugly to even consider, I lay my forehead against the top of the steering wheel.

When I open my eyes, I see the wrapping paper on the floor below me where I tossed it. I notice another piece of paper inside it. I scowl and lean down to grab it. I unfold it and read the note written there.

Roses are red,

Violets are blue,

You belong to me,

I’m coming for you.

A sob rips through my body and tears start streaming down my face. I think about the story I just told Nix a few days ago, about Ryan locking me in that room. The thought of that happening again makes the panic build. It claws at me, making it difficult to get air into my lungs. I need to run but I’m frozen here.

I need Nix.

Just as the thought crosses my mind, my phone starts vibrating in my pocket. I pull it out and breathe a little easier at Nix’s face on the screen. I scramble to press the green icon as fast as I can.

“Nix,” I choke out.

“Baby, what’s wrong?” he asks, sounding panicked.

“I need you. And my brothers.”

“Where are you, Em?”

I hear shuffling in the background and he curses.

“I’m at the apartment. Well, outside of it, actually.”

The noise on the other end suddenly stops.

“Are you safe, baby?”

“Yes, I’m locked in my car.”

“Shit! All right, I’m on my way, Emma. I’ll be there as soon as I can. I love you.” He hangs up. I take a deep breath and triple-check the locks. I just need to hang on for a little while longer. As soon as Nix is here, everything will be okay.