Page 75 of On Your Knees

As I look at him, trying to reconcile the man before me with the image I had of him, I’m left with a tumult of emotions. The urgency of our situation snaps me back to reality. “I need to see Nate,” I say, my voice firm despite the tremor in my hands.

Benedict nods, his expression resolute. “You will. We’ll get through this, Eva. For now, let’s focus on getting you and Nate to safety and then we’ll tackle the rest.”

“Mommy,” Nate cries out, his voice a mix of relief and desperation as he sprints toward me with all the speed his little legs can muster.

I bend down with as much care as I can manage, despite the pain radiating through my body. My arms, still weak from the ordeal, reach out to gather him in a tight embrace. Benedict stands close by, steadying me with a reassuring hand on my back as I struggle to hold my son.

“I missed you so much,” I whisper, my voice breaking with emotion as I cling to Nate, feeling the warmth and familiarityof him against my chest. My heart aches with both love and the relief of finally being reunited.

Benedict clears his throat, his gaze steady but filled with a hint of empathy. “With the ongoing case against Christopher and his clear involvement in the trafficking ring, we’re pushing to get an order of protection for Nate against Christopher. We’re working on it as fast as we can.”

The words barely register over the rush of tears welling up in my eyes. I hold Nate tighter, the security of his small body in my arms providing a balm to my frayed nerves. It’s a bittersweet moment of relief amidst the chaos, knowing that my son is safe and that there is a path forward for us.

We’re currently nestled in a safe house, a modest yet secure refuge in a small town just outside Saint Pierce. The house is discreet, its walls thick enough to keep us protected from any potential threats. The small town offers a layer of anonymity, and for now, it feels like a sanctuary.

The sound of Nate’s heartbeat against mine is a soothing rhythm that helps ground me amidst the whirlwind of recent events. As Benedict and the rest of the team work to locate Enzo and Christopher, I sit here and hold my son.

I gently guide Nate toward the back bedroom and lay him down on the bed. He looks so small and tired, his little eyes heavy with exhaustion.

As I pull the covers up around him, he gazes up at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?”

The question pierces my heart, and I struggle to find the right words. I manage a soft, reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort. “Daddy had to go away for a bit, so you’re goingto be staying with me for now. We’re going to go home as soon as it’s safe.”

“Why’s it not safe?” His voice is small, and I can see the weariness in his eyes.

I swallow hard, fighting back tears as I brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Mommy just needs to figure a few things out. But don’t worry, because maybe tomorrow we’ll get some ice cream.”

His eyes brighten at the mention of ice cream, even though he’s clearly exhausted. “Can I have strawberry?”

I raise an eyebrow playfully. “I thought chocolate was your favorite flavor?”

He shakes his head earnestly. “No, I want to be like you and eat strawberry.”

My heart swells, tears escaping down my cheeks. “Nate, you’re already so much like me. You can eat whatever flavor you like best.”

He snuggles deeper into the pillow, clutching his favorite teddy bear tightly. “Okay, maybe I’ll have a scoop of each.”

I sit beside him, gently smoothing the covers and watching as he drifts off to sleep.

As Nate’s breathing slows and he falls into a peaceful sleep, I let myself indulge in a few more tears. They’re tears of relief, sorrow, and hope. For now, the promise of ice cream and the soft rhythm of my son’s breathing are all I need to hold onto.

Chapter 39

Benedict

I stand quietly in the doorway, giving Eva and Nate the space they need. The sight of them together, the simple comfort of mother and child, tugs at my heart. I have so much to say, so many feelings bottled up, but now doesn’t seem like the right moment. We’re in the midst of an active mission, and declaring my feelings for her feels like it would only complicate things further.

When I revealed that I wasn’t a priest, I saw the look of betrayal in her eyes. It cut deep, and I regret not telling her the truth sooner. I should have come clean after our first kiss, or even after our first night together. There have been so many moments when honesty could have bridged the gap between us, but I faltered every time. I wish I could rewind and make different choices, but regrets won’t change what’s happened.

Eva’s gaze meets mine as she stands from the bed, her face a mixture of exhaustion and vulnerability. “Hi,” she whispers, her voice soft but carrying a note of weariness. She takes a tentative step toward me.

I step back into the hallway, trying to give her some room. “How are you feeling?” I ask, my voice filled with genuine concern.

“A little dizzy, but I’ll survive,” she replies, managing a small, tired smile.

I nod, feeling a pang of sympathy. “We should get you to sit down. You need rest.”

Her eyes meet mine, and for a moment, I see the weight of everything she’s been through reflected in her gaze. I want to offer more comfort, more support, but right now, it’s all I can do to ensure she’s physically okay and make sure she’s getting the care she needs. The mission and the danger still loom large, but in this quiet moment, I just want to be there for her, however I can.

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