Page 74 of Finding Her Strength

My eyes flicker open,and Jennifer’s smiling face comes into view. “Hey, sunshine.”

Her cheery demeanor has a small smile curling at my lips. I go to move my hand when I realize it’s being held. I look over and blink several times. “Jennifer, am I asleep? Am I really seeing who I think I’m seeing?”

“Oh, honey, he’s real. And I’mrealjealous.”

Levi’s grin is a little lopsided with his swollen face. He’s sitting right next to me, clear as day, holding my hand.

“Hi, love.”

Tears fall so fast, I can barely see Levi anymore. “You’re alive?”

“Of course, I’m alive. I couldn’t let that bastard keep us apart.”

It’s then that I finally break.

Every fear, hurt, and heartbreak come pouring out as Levi’s arms wrap around me, pulling me into his hard chest. Surrounded by his strength, I let all my pieces fall. The ones I’ve been holding on to so tightly, afraid they’d shatter beyond repair if I let them go. I give them all to Levi as he holds me in his arms.

“You’re safe now. I’ll always keep you safe,” he whispers into my hair.

I’m not sure how long we stay embraced, it could’ve been minutes or hours, but eventually, I get myself together. Levi grabs the box of Kleenex on the rolling tray in my room,tipping it toward me. When I mop up my face, I groan at the aches in my body. While the prolonged hug was necessary for my mental health, it was not so great for my bruised and battered body.

“What happened to you? Antony told me you died.”

“He was definitely angry enough to kill me but obviously didn’t succeed. He beat the shit out of me with a crowbar. Broke several ribs, gave me a concussion, and broke my leg.” He holds up his leg encased in a cast. “Michael ended up finding me passed out on the floor. He’d left his phone at the house and called an ambulance when he realized what happened. If I had to guess, Antony’s goal was not to actually kill me but to make sure I was incapacitated so he’d have time to get you out of Sonoma. I don’t think he planned on anyone finding me until morning.”

“But you’re okay? You’re going to be okay?”

“Yes, love.” He kisses me again, settling the panic in my gut.

“I thought my world was going to end when he told me he killed you. I knew what evil he was capable of, so I believed him. There was a moment, in the car, when I thought it would be easier to give up. To let Antony do whatever he wanted to me because the love of my life was gone. I knew I would never find another person to share my life with because the one I wanted had died.

“Then a voice in my head said you’d be pissed at me for thinking that way, for being okay with giving up. That’s when I started planning my escape.”

“Fuck, Hope. You’re amazing. And I definitely would’ve been pissed at you.” Levi presses his forehead to mine. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever met. I will forever be in awe of the incredible woman you are.”

A knock on the door interrupts our moment as a whole slew of people come into my room. Alice and Rob, as well asQuinn, Lucy, Sara, Natalie, and Megan. The girls crowd around my bed as Alice comes to my other side.

“Oh, my darling Hope. I’m so glad you’re okay.” She tucks a piece of my hair behind my ear, then gently squeezes my hand. Her fussing over me has tears burning behind my eyes. It’s been a long time since I was mothered.

“Not sure how long you’re going to be here, but I brought you one of my favorites just in case it takes a few days.” Sara grins, holding up a paperback book. Based on the handsome face on the cover, I think I’ll like it just fine.

They all want updates on how I’m doing and what happened with Antony. It sounds like Cooper filled them in on some of it but not everything. Their questions are overwhelming, but it’s surprisingly nice to have people worrying over me. I’ve been looking out for myself for so long that I forgot what this feels like.

When I start to get tired, Levi kicks everyone out of the room so I can rest. They all assure me they’ll be back tomorrow and that everything at the shop is being handled by Claire, Sam, and Alice. I’m more grateful for these people than I ever thought possible.

The minute the door closes, Levi presses his lips against mine in a beautifully tender kiss. All the tension of the past several days melts from my body. I didn’t think I’d ever get to have this again. This feeling of utter contentment. Now that I have it back, I’m determined to do whatever it takes to keep it.

Because I deserve this feeling. After everything, I deserve an all-consuming love. One where my partner is my equal, my confidant, and my best friend.

And Levi is all three.

42

LEVI

“I’m starving,” Hope groans from my right. My stomach rumbles right after, which makes us both laugh.

“Apparently, I am, too.” I reach out for her hand. We’re cuddled up on the couch at her house, watching mindless tv. “Should we go find something to eat?”

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