Page 131 of near

Gemma’s shoulders slump. “There was someone else at the dinner party. A young woman. I could tell she was scared of her husband. The way he touched her...” She shudders. “It was like how Oliver touched me.”

I tense, anger rising in me again. So Oliver isn’t the only scumbag.

“Did you get her name? Anything about her?”

“Mrs. Henderson. I’m a coward. I should’ve helped her somehow. There’s no telling what he’s doing to her right now.”

I brush my thumb over her cheek. “You’re not a coward, little gem. You were trying to survive. But I promise we’ll find her and get her away from that monster.”

“How?”

“I have resources.”

Truth is, I already have a plan in motion thanks to Spectre and Wisp. But Gemma doesn’t need to know the details. I don’t want her involved in these things.

Her brows knit together.

“Trust me.”

I crush my mouth to hers, cutting off any further questions. She responds, parting her lips so I can move my tongue against hers, and I don’t stop until we’re both breathless and her doubts are silenced.

“Let’s continue tomorrow. You should rest.”

Her eyes are still full of questions, but she stays silent.

My fierce little gem. She’s been through so much and still has a fight left in her. I won’t fail her again.

“I promise this will all be over soon.” I stroke her hair. “And then it will be you and me.”

She lays her head on my chest with a shaky exhale, and I hold her close. The fear of losing her is still in me.

“Don’t run away from me anymore.”

“I won’t.”

“Sleep now, my gem.” I kiss the top of her head. “Everything will be taken care of soon. I promise.”

She nods, and I feel her body relaxing as she succumbs to exhaustion. It’s not long before her breathing evens out, and she falls asleep in my arms. Where she belongs. Where she’ll stay from now on if I have any fucking say in it.

And I will have my say. Oliver has had his last moments with her. He just doesn’t know it yet.

Chapter 37

Istand in front of the full-length mirror, tugging at the hem of a silk-red dress. The fabric clings to my body like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination. I catch Mary and Lil’s reflections behind me, their worried gazes resting on my tense form.

“Are you sure you can do this?” Mary asks.

“It’s gonna be fine. Everyone will be there. Elijah, Bash, you two. And we need someone to distract Oliver. I’m the best bet.”

Lil fumbles with a pair of silver earrings. “You won’t leave our sight.”

I know they don’t want me to go. Especially after what Oliver did.

“As long as Oliver gets his publicity and chance to show off, that’s all that matters.”

Elijah doesn’t like the plan, either. I stare down at the ring on my finger. One night, and then this will be over. Elijah’s friends can get into Oliver’s apartment without problems and get what we need to have him behind bars.

I step into a pair of strappy heels while Mary and Lil finish getting dressed. Mary slips into a stunning navy blue gown that accentuates her curves and matches her eyes. Lil opts for a sleek, black jumpsuit.

---