Page 36 of His to Protect

“I need to go.” I looked Declan in the eye, letting my feeling of betrayal show in my gaze. I let him see the pain I felt that he’d done this.

I felt no victory when he flinched.

“I think he can help you,” he said, making no apologies. “I wouldn’t have told him if I couldn’t trust him implicitly. And Tyson and Blue were at Fireside tonight when you called.”

“How convenient.”

Declan shook his head and took a small step toward me, but stopped when Boomer let loose another warning growl.

“Don’t do this, Trina. You don’t have to run, not tonight. Let us help you.”

“Why would you do that?”

He shrugged, as if he were uncertain, but when he spoke again, his voice sounded almost sad. Resigned. “I just have to.”

I saw the honesty in his expression, mixed with his own confusion. My heart rate began to slow.

As much as it’d be the best decision to grab my bag and walk out that front door, I hesitated.

This man made me feel safe.

“We’re on your side,” Blue said, stepping in front of Tyson. “Please. I don’t know what you’ve been through, but no woman should be afraid of her husband.” She shook her head and pressed her lips into a frown. “I’m sorry you’re scared, I really am, but we’re only here to listen. Tyson has said he’ll do everything he can to keep you safe.”

Reality pressed down on me, forcing me to face the facts.

If Kevin knew where I was, I only had a small amount of time to find somewhere else to stay. I needed to ditch my car first, and it was too late now on a Saturday to do anything about that.

I also had to get a new phone number.

It’d take me until Monday to get a different car.

I felt my window of opportunity closing with every passing breath, leaving me with no other choice.

“Okay,” I whispered, my voice hoarse.

My gaze went to Declan’s and his shoulders sagged with relief.

Pulling in a fortifying breath, I took my hand from Boomer’s head and gave him a soft pat. Then I looked at Tyson. “What do you need to know?”

—

I held the stem of a wineglass gingerly between my fingertips and stared at the crisp red wine, trying to figure out how to piece together my story. I went from being no one to someone, and hated every second once I got there.

Some people would look at me and think,Poor little rich white girl.

On paper, I had it all.

In my heart, I’d been waiting for the moment when my mom was healthy enough to return to work, so she could take care of herself. Not that we had contact anymore. She was the one who encouraged me to stay with Kevin and for that—for not being the mother I needed when I needed her—I doubted I would ever forgive her.

Memories of my earlier days with Kevin flashed through my mind as I took a small sip of my wine before dragging my tired eyes to Blue.

For some reason, it felt easier to tell my story to her.

Declan was sitting next to me, one arm thrown over the back of the couch, his hips turned toward me. His arm behind me made me feel protected. Safe.

Across from us, Tyson was sitting next to Blue. They leaned forward with anticipation, Tyson’s brow furrowed in concentration, as if he’d remember every word I spoke without needing to write a single one down.

“I was born into a family with a father who became a self-made success in Kentucky,” I began. “His business became so popular that he also became a huge donor to political campaigns. It was at one of these campaign fundraisers that I was introduced to Kevin.”

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