“That’s not true,” Jessa argues through her tears with a surprising amount of tenacity. “You are so important to that little girl. And you are so noble, so loyal. Your bitch of a wife didn’t deserve you.”
“I know that now. I never realized Gabby would run off, abandoning our daughter and never looking back. The minute I got locked up, that woman bolted.”
“Why didn’t you try to tell the truth then? Try to clear your name after she betrayed you like that?”
I let out a heavy breath and meet her sad gaze. “It was too late. I tried discussing it with my lawyer, but even that bastard didn’t believe me. I figured that if I talked to anyone else, I’d just seem like any other asshole trying to dodge responsibility for his crimes. I didn’t see a way out. So I swallowed the pill, I accepted my fate and I kept my mouth shut.”
Jessa wraps her arms around me and I drop my head to her chest. She just holds me and it feels so fucking good. She’s the first person who believed me. The only person.
“I tried to do the right thing, Jessa. And then my whole life blew up in my face. So, I gave up,” I mutter. “I gave up on everything. I was just so bitter and resentful and hopeless.”
“Yeah, well, you don’t have to feel that way anymore,” she says with determination. “I will clear your name, Eli. If it’s the last fucking thing I do.”
I pull back to look at her. “I don’t need you fighting my battles, Firefly.”
Her inner pitbull is out and ready to scrap. “Are you serious? It’s our fight now.”
“Hmmm…What are you saying?” I feel a smile on my lips. “Are you saying that if I throw myself at your mercy, apologize for being a dickwad and beg for your forgiveness, I might actually still have a chance with you? You might actually take me back?” I stretch the limp bouquet out to her. I picked it up at some street side vendor on my way out of Sin Valley.
She lifts a shoulder, all aloof. “Maybe…” She takes the flowers and gives them a casual sniff. She’s so adorable.
I cup her chin, forcing her to meet my eyes. “I’m so very sorry, Jessa. I’m sorry that I didn’t listen to you, that I didn’t believe in your goodness.” I take a breath. “I love you. For so many reasons it’s terrifying. You’re kind. You’re fun. You’re loyal and so damn patient. You have the biggest heart. And you’ve given me my whole, entire life back, baby. Now, I want to share that life with you. All of it. No more secrets, Firefly. Ever.”
“No more secrets,” she promises without reservation. “Ever. I love you so much.” My chest swells up with bliss when she says those words.
I’m going to kiss her. I have to.
As I’m leaning close to claim her mouth, a loud thump sounds against the other side of the wall. Jessa’s eyes widen to saucers at the sound of glass shattering from outside her room.
I growl in frustration. I picture her ex still out there being his asshole self.
Turning my gaze back on the beautiful pixie next to me, I tuck a lock of hair behind her ear. “You want to pack your stuff and get out of here?”
“God, yes,” she breathes out with a giggle.
She hastily stuffs her suitcases and I grab them from her hands. When I swing open the door, Michael appears at the threshold. “What’s he doing here?” the loser spits. “You want me to kick him out on his ass for you, Jessie Babe?”
Behind me, I hear Jessa forcing a pleasant voice. “No, that…that won’t be necessary.”
Michael stands on his tiptoes to peer around me. He wipes his nose on his sleeve. “Come on. Don’t let this guy weasel his way in here and—”
Before Michael can keep running his mouth, I drop the suitcases at my feet. “Look, dude. It’s time you learn to take a hint. You don’t have a shot here. The woman is spoken for.”
“You can’t just come in here and…and…” Michael rubs his nose and fumbles for what to say. This guy is clearly high out of his mind.
I pluck a sheet of paper from the file folder tucked under my arm. I slam the document against his bony chest. “My mug shot. In case you’re ever tempted to come near Jessa again.”
On that, I lead my girl out the door and down the rickety staircase. My car is parked at the curb. I open the trunk and fling her baggage inside.
“I should tell you…” I clear my throat right before I open her passenger door. “I quit my job at Kingston Realties. I don’t know if I’ll be able to afford your late-night sugar habit.”
She cradles her flowers to her chest. “No biggie,” she assures me. “I can just talk to Michael, and he can help you find—”
“Don’t you fucking dare.” I laugh. “After threatening him tonight, I think it’s best to keep my distance. Besides, I’m not exactly hurting for money.” I cringe in the face of her confused frown. “There’s one last thing you need to know. The money Gabby stole…I managed to hide it in Callie’s bedroom vent before the cops took me away. I still have it.”
Her jaw drops loose but within seconds, her face relaxes. “Y’know what? After everything you’ve been through, you deserve to keep it.”
I rotate my palm, lifting hers for a kiss. I can’t help but grin. Christ, this woman never fails to surprise me. “I thought that tidbit would send you running for the hills.”
She shrugs, a smirk playing on her lips. It takes considerable effort on my part not to lean over and nibble on them. “I told you, Eli. I know you’re a good man. Nothing could convince me otherwise. I just knew you were innocent.” She throws her
