Page 4 of Swallow

“Yeah, Evie. I do. I’m a pretty good judge of character, and I know an honest person when I see one.”

I walked to the kitchenette and grabbed a pen and a slip of paper, jotting down my cell number and address. “This is where I live. It’s just a block away from here. Don’t walk the streets at night. But if you need anything, call me from the phone down in the bar, and I’ll be here in minutes.”

She swallowed and breathed out a gust of air, as if she’d been holding it in, waiting for the other shoe to drop. “Thanks again. God… thank you.”

Something in my chest tightened, and I cleared my throat, grunting and nodding. “I'll come by in the morning to check on you and bring you some food.” I stared into her eyes and said, “You're safe here, Evie. I'll make sure of it.”

For a moment, I saw a flicker of relief, like for the first time in a long time she could truly relax. She gave a small nod, and I took that as my cue to leave, pulling the door closed behind me.

As I descended the stairs, a myriad of thoughts raced through my mind. I didn’t know this woman, yet the urge to protect her was overwhelming.

Back at my place, I settled onto the couch, the events of the night replaying in my head. I couldn't shake the image of her tear-streaked face while she looked at me when I told her she was safe.

I knew one thing for certain, and that was the fact that Evie was under my protection now, and I wouldn't let anything—or anyone—hurt her again.

3

EVIE

Icouldn't remember the last time I had such a peaceful sleep.

The first rays of morning light filtered through the thin curtains, casting soft shadows across the unfamiliar room. I had been awake for a while, just snuggled under the covers and listening to the silence.

The events of the previous night started scrolling through my mind as soon as I’d woken up. The rain, the bar, and Ash—the imposing yet unexpectedly gentle giant who had offered me refuge.

I heard his footsteps on the stairs and rose, wrapping a blanket around me and staring at the door. He knocked, and I assumed he’d just burst in, but when I didn’t answer, he knocked again.

I cleared my throat and stood, keeping the blanket around me as I padded over to the door and unlocked it, opening it for him. I stepped back to let him enter. He came inside holding a large, white paper bag in one hand and a drink carrier cradling two coffees in the other.

“Morning,” he greeted in that gruff, deep voice of his.

Shivers skittered down my spine. “Good morning.”

The small living space above the bar was bathed in the golden glow of morning, and Ash headed to the kitchenette to set the bag and drink carrier down. He moved with a rugged grace, his broad shoulders and muscular frame dominating the small space.

“Sleep well?” he asked as he started taking things out of the bag and placing them on plates.

I nodded, suddenly feeling self-conscious under his intense gaze each time he lifted his eyes to me. “Yes, thank you.” I cleared my throat again. “Best sleep I’ve had in a long time.”

He gestured to the small table and set the plates down when he reached it. “Sit, Evie. I’m sure you're hungry.”

I did as he said while he strode back to the counter, eyeing the breakfast sandwich, hash browns, and then the paper cup of coffee as he set it in front of me when he returned. “I appreciate everything you've done. I promise I’ll pay you back for your generosity,” I told him, and he made a deep sound in his throat above me, as if he didn’t like that last part. “I don't want to be a burden. I’ll be out of here soon.”

He took the seat across the table and gestured for me to eat.

I’d taken two bites of my sandwich when I felt his gentle yet firm touch on my hand. A jolt of electricity zinged through my hand to the pit of my stomach. Instinct told me to take my hand back, but I was ensured by his focus on me.

“You're safe here,” he repeated the same thing he told me last night. “You don’t have to go anywhere.” His voice brooked no argument, but it wasn’t in a way that frightened me. “I’d like for you to tell me what you're running from or who’s trying to hurt you, but we’ll cross that bridge when you’re ready. Whatever it is, it won't touch you here. I won't allow it.”

His words were both a command and a promise, the dominance in his tone undeniable. Yet, beneath the roughexterior, there was a gentleness that made my chest feel funny… in a good way.

I searched his eyes, looking for any hint of deception, but found none.

Regardless, the instinct to guard myself rose. But another part—a deeper, more vulnerable part—felt an unfamiliar sense of safety in Ash’s presence. I couldn't explain it, but it felt right. The walls I'd built around myself wavered… just a fraction.

Swallowing hard, I nodded slowly, the unspoken agreement hanging heavily between us. “Okay,” I whispered, recognizing that giving in had never felt this easy before.

His thumb brushed lightly across my skin before he released me. “Good,” he said, a hint of satisfaction in his voice. This man clearly always got what he wanted. “Now, eat before the food gets cold. We'll figure everything else out later.”

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