Page 15 of Dagger

His words were a blow to my gut. After everything Elise had told me earlier that day, it hit me that I was reverting to type. She’d been without a voice for so many damned years, and it shamed me that I was a part of that and, in a way, was even still facilitating it.

Every cell cried out for me to protect her, but my common sense told me that whatever I did would be too little and way too late. She’d come this far all by herself, and she deserved my trust. If anybody tried anything, I’d still be by her side. Hell, I’d take a bullet for her without a second thought.

She’d be okay. I’d make sure of it.

I dipped my chin to meet Elise’s eyes. “You sure ‘bout this?”

She gave me a slight nod.

Her nerves were evident, but underneath them, I sensed her steely determination. Elise was confident in what she was doing, and if anyone deserved to bring Henderson down a peg, it was her.

I stepped aside.

“Elise, darling,” Henderson murmured. “I’m so relieved you’re alright.” His eyes flicked toward me and hardened. “The sheriff will arrest Stone and take him to the station. He won’t get away with taking you against your will.”

I had to refrain from rolling my eyes at the fake concern in his tone.

“You’ve gone too far this time, Stone. We’ll be pressing charges.” Henderson jerked his chin at Elise. “Look at you, dear, bruised and battered. He’s a monster, and I won’t rest until he’s behind bars.”

Elise took a step toward the fence, and her gaze went toward the sheriff. “Doctor Green has completed a report on my injuries, which I’ll ask her to send to you for evidence.”

The look of victory gleamed brighter from the mayor’s eyes.

“I do want to press charges,” Elise added. “But they’re againstmy husband.”

The mayor's face froze.

“I’ll happily make a statement, but I won’t be going anywhere withhim.” She nodded toward Henderson, whose stare hardened.

“Elise,” he drawled, lip pulling into a sneer. “Stop this and come home.”

“No, Robert,” Elise retorted, tone icy. “Tell Lenora to pack my belongings and arrange for delivery. Actually, no, don’t bother. You can burn it all. Anything you’ve come into contact with will be tainted with your filth. I want a divorce, Robert. My lawyer is working on the details and will contact you in due course.”

My chest burned with pride.

Henderson had spent years trying to beat her down and make her cower. It was a testament to Elise’s spirit that he hadn’t succeeded.

The mayor’s face twisted furiously. “Don’t be ridiculous,” he snarled. “Get in the car. Now.”

Elise let out a brittle laugh. “Fuck off, Robert, and take your low-rate, second-hand tough guys with you.”

My eyebrows shot up at Elise’s words.

Abe chuckled quietly.

Colt folded his arms across his chest.

A spot of red stained Henderson’s cheeks, and he bit out, “You need to think about what and who you’re risking, Elise.”

My hackles went up at the underlying threat in his words.

The fucker was talking about Sophie. He was still trying to use our daughter to control Leesy, except little did he know he had zero leverage anymore.

Fucking fool.

“You’re losing your mind, Robert,” Elise snapped. “Threatening me in front of witnesses.”

My head snapped back around just in time to see her pop a hip and jam a hand to it.

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