Page 50 of Fighting for Ella

No more shower playtimes, no more coming over and hanging out for hours, and definitely no more climbing beneath the covers and holding her in his arms all night long while he slept the sleep of the dead.

“You're leaving?” The vulnerability in her voice about undid him. Had him rethinking everything, doubting himself.

Only there was no room for doubts.

Just facts.

Facts were, he came from two parents who were addicts. Facts were, he’d had his own battle with addiction. Facts were, it was a daily battle for him to keep those urges under control. Facts were, he worried constantly that something might happen to send the house of cards he had so carefully constructed from falling down around him.

If his life fell apart and he was the only one impacted he could deal with that, but not if he took Ella down with him.

“Yeah, honey, got to go catch up with my team.”

Giving him a tremulous smile, she nodded. “I appreciate you coming over last night, Miguel. I appreciate … everything. The shower, the food, you taking care of me, holding me even though I know you weren't real comfortable getting into bed with me.”

That she didn't beg him to stay even though she obviously wanted him to was just another reason for him to like her.

Another reason for him to have to get out of there.

Ella was too perfect, he couldn’t be the one to corrupt her.

“I put my number in your phone last night, call or text if you need anything. I mean it, Ella, I’ll drop everything and come right over.” Not an exaggeration. Just because he couldn’t let things develop more than they already had didn't mean he wasn't all in when it came to supporting Ella through this mess the mole had thrust her into.

When she shot him a brilliant smile, Miguel was struck by the thought that he was already fighting a losing battle.

He was falling for this woman, and if he couldn’t stop it from happening then he could be the straw that broke the camel’s back and wind up being the cause of Ella’s life imploding.

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

February 9th

11:28 A.M.

This sucked butit was the right thing to do.

Ella knew that Miguel had told her she shouldn’t make any big life decisions until the dust settled a little and she was able to think more clearly, but the bottom line was, she just couldn’t see herself not coming to this same conclusion a week, a month, or a year down the track.

It was what had to happen.

Didn't mean she was happy about it or that there weren't about a million doubts running rampant through her mind right now.

As she parked her car at Prey’s office building, she wished Miguel was there with her. This would be so much easier if she felt like she had someone on her side.

While he might not have outright said the words at her place this morning, she knew what he’d been feeling and thinking and what his plans were for the future.

Those plans didn't include her.

He’d made her a promise to be there for her while she healed, and Ella one hundred percent believed he was going to follow through with that. If she texted, he’d answer. If she called, he’d come. If she needed him, he’d be there.

For now.

Until he knew she’d found her footing again.

Then he’d be gone.

While she wanted to hold onto him, keep him close, she appreciated him trying to keep a little distance between them. Looking out for her again. Because the truth was, she wasn't emotionally or psychologically okay, and if she wasn't careful then these tiny little feelings she was developing would quickly bloom into something more.

Something that would only wind up getting her hurt.

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