Page 111 of I Am Salvation

He grabs his cell phone out of the pocket of his discarded jeans.

“Hey, Alayna,” he says into the phone.

Pause.

He widens his eyes. “Oh my God. You’re kidding me.”

Pause.

“I’ll get over there right away. Thanks so much.” He ends the call.

“What is it?” I ask.

“You’ll never believe this. I can’t believe it myself.”

“I can’t believe it if you don’t tell me.”

“That was Alayna.”

I let out a short laugh. “I gathered.”

“She got the address for the account. The account we sent money through the cash app for. And it’s right here in Taos.”

“That’s great!” I jump off the bed and— “Ouch!”

Dragon grabs me. “Your ankle, Diana.”

“Yeah, I know.”

“You need to rest.”

“How can I rest? We’re going to go find this guy.”

He holds up a hand. “Correction. I’m going to go find the guy. If you want to be walking on that ankle again by tomorrow or the next day, you need to let it rest today.”

“It’s not even a sprain,” she says. “I’m fine.”

“Please, Diana.” He grabs my hands and looks deeply—lovingly—into my eyes. “I can’t risk anything happening to you. Please. I’ve lost everyone I’ve ever loved in my life. I can’t lose you too.”

My heart breaks a little.

And again, as I look at this strong amazing man, I see that sweet little boy he must’ve been. That little boy who only wanted to play on his drum and make his little sister happy.

I can do this for him. I can do it because he’s right. I do need to rest my ankle. I should be able to walk okay by tomorrow, as long as I’m wearing the boot.

But tonight I need the rest.

Besides, someone has to stay here with Teddy.

I sigh. “Okay. You win this time.”

He drops his jaw.

“Does that surprise you? I just let you do whatever you want to me.”

“Sex is one thing,” he says. “But resting your ankle? I’m surprised you went for that.”

“You’re right. And I don’t want to take anything away from you about this. If it’s something you feel you need to do alone, I get it. But know that if you want me there, I will be.”

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