You didn’t get rid of me.
The pounding of blood pumping echoed in my head as I connected the dots. She’d expressed her fear of her ex before. Hell, even Jackson mentioned the piece of shit was back in town. How the fuck hadn’t I realized it sooner?
I sat the rock on the counter and walked over to her, cupping her face in my hands. Her eyes popped open and she stared at me. She relaxed under my touch. I didn’t know how bad it got with that asshole, but I could tell he did some damage, and I wanted to beat his fucking face in for it.
I swallowed my anger and focused on the woman in front of me with tears in her eyes. She launched herself into my chest without much warning, her arms wrapping around me and her face nuzzling into me. I embraced her with an intent of protecting her. When she was tucked safe in my arms, I knew nothing could hurt her.
An urgent knock came from her front door. “Deputies!”
She jumped out of my arms, and I ran a soothing hand down her back as we made our way to the door. I opened it, and the officers started asking questions. We explained everything to them that had happened tonight, and Evelyn brought them the rock.
The officers shared a look of concern. The young one took the rock from her. “Your restraining order is still in place, Ms. Fernsby. If this was him, we could lock him away. But unfortunately, we don’t have any proof.”
The older one sighed. “I suggest getting a security system put up with cameras and alarms.”
She nibbled her thumb like a famished mouse. I used to think it was cute when she did it back then, but now she had a deep-rooted fear that caused her nervous habit. “I don’t know how to set one up.”
“Well, I know a guy. I can have him come out tomorrow to talk to you about it. He could install it within the week. He’s reasonably priced, and if someone breaks in we’ll be alerted,” the young guy said.
She nodded. “Okay, thanks.”
I didn’t want her staying here after that without the system. Not alone, at least. It was sheer luck I was here. I couldn’t imagine how afraid she would’ve been alone tonight.
“Do you have anyone you can stay with until the system is secure?” the older officer asked.
“My parents house is down the street. I could stay with them.”
A pang of disappointment shot through me. I didn’t know what I was hoping for. We weren’t on that level yet to where she could stay with me. Hell, she probably wouldn't even want to.
“Make sure you contact them then.” He glanced at me. “Are you staying the rest of the night here?”
I nodded. “Yes sir, I’m not leaving her.”
“Good. If anything else happens, call 911. We’ll be out here quick.”
We said our goodbyes, and they left. Evelyn ended up in the kitchen, staring at the broken window with a far off look in her eyes.
“I was an idiot. I should’ve listened to my friends, but I didn’t.” She twisted her hair up into a bun on her head. She met my gaze. “Do you want to go lay down with me? I don’t want to be alone tonight.”
The offer would’ve sent me into overdrive any other time, but she didn’t ask out of desire, she asked out of comfort. And I was more than happy to oblige. I took her hand and we went into her bedroom.
It was a nice room. Queen-size bed in the middle with two gray nightstands on each side. Plus, white carpet covered the floor and her walk-in closet was cracked open with clothes thrown all over the floor.
We crawled into the bed and snuggled under the gray comforter. We used to cuddle in bed all the time, but this was different. It was more intimate and raw than it used to be. I held her to me as she rested her head on my chest.
She took a deep breath before she spoke, “His name’s Gerald. He’s the worst mistake of my life.”
“Sounds like a real asshole.” I flattened my lips. What the fuck kind of name was Gerald anyway?
“He was. Is. I stayed with him for over a year. He isolated me from my family, and my friends.” Her hand tightened on my shirt.
I remembered her friends and her were thick as thieves, but her parents and her had a strong bond. It baffled me that he managed to do that without them kicking his ass.
“Anyway, he’d yell… a lot. Hated hanging out with Mags and Faith. Said they were trouble. My parents hated him, so he felt disrespected. If I hung out with anyone but him, he’d scream at me. Smash things. God, he’d get so angry.” She trembled. “But I was stupid. I stayed because I didn’t want to be alone again. It sounds pathetic, but when I was alone, I’d think about you. You left a gaping hole that I couldn’t fill. I tried to with him, but he fucked me up so bad.”
“What made you finally leave?” My jaw snapped shut, so tight I might’ve chipped a tooth.
“Faith’s wedding week at an island. We all went. He got pissed, and grabbed my wrist.” She traced her wrist as she spoke. “Luca saw him grab me and went off. Gerald stormed away, and I knew I had to leave him.”
Thank fuck for Luca. If I ever ran into him, I’d need to thank him.
“I went back to our room and told him I was done. I stood up for myself, but he didn’t like that.” She pressed her body into me more, and I held her closer. “He smacked me. He tried to… fuck, I can’t even say it.” A sob wracked through her.
“You don’t have to say anything else. I don’t want you to hurt yourself by remembering.” Having her in my
