Page 111 of Canvas

I take a deep breath.

She deserves to know.

“I’m not just a tattoo artist, Summer,” I begin. “I was in the Army, we all were, we served together.” No one’s supposed to know about The Program. But her father found out because he hired us, and if we would have taken her back, she would have suspected something. This rationalization makes it easier for me to give her some honesty. “When we got out, we became affiliated with a private sector that supplies services to people who need…something special.” Our eyes lock. “Summer,” I take her hand, “your father hired us, our company, to find you and bring you back.” Her eyes widen in shock. “If he hadn’t,” I look back at the house, “Steve would have succeeded in kidnapping you.”

“When?” the word is barely a whisper.

“The call I was on yesterday when you came to the shop.”

“I see,” she turns her head and stares out the window. She’s digesting this information, piecing everything together. “How much do you know?” she asks as a long lone tear slips down her cheek.

My heart is breaking for all the pain this beautiful woman has endured. For the weight their torment has placed on her.

“Enough to know there was no fucking way I would let them have you.” I reach over and turn her face to me. “Enough that I’m never letting you go.”

We stare at each other. So many things pass between us in that look, a lifetime of promises and devotion, an eternity of hope, faith, and trust.

“Take me home, Rock,” she finally says softly.

“Your wish is my command, princess,” I smile at her, really fucking smile.

I put the truck in reverse and maneuver my way through the parked vehicles.

As we leave the house, her father, Steve, and all they represent, she’s walking away from her past and her demons.

I’m taking her home. She has a new life. A new family.

She has everything and everyone she’ll ever need.

She’s finally free.

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