Page 39 of Say You Won't Let Go
Now, it’s Cooper I’m worried about.
If this guy is willing to go all the way to Bell Buckle to prove some sick point, I have no doubt he will make good on his threat if Cooper shows up here. I start to cry harder, each tear is an outward display of the pain I’m in. I don’t want to do this, but I don’t have a choice.
“Talk to me, Emily,” Wade urges.
I look up at him, and the knot in my stomach twists. “It’s over. It’s all over.”
“What’s over?” His voice drops to a whisper. “Is he here?”
I shake my head. “No. I mean me and Cooper.”
Another loud sob escapes my lips, and I cling to Wade. Everything is falling apart, and I have no hope left.
“I’m sure you’ll work it out.” Wade tries to comfort me, but he’s not very convincing, and I cry harder. “Cooper won’t let you go, not without fighting the world. I’ve seen what a man will do for the woman who owns him.”
Too bad it isn’t Cooper’s choice. I’m the only one who knows his life is in danger at the hands of a psychopath. One who will stop at nothing to get me.
There’s only one option.
I have to walk away from the only man I’ve loved to keep him safe.
“Please, just take me away from here,” I beg.
Wade doesn’t hesitate. He hooks his arms under my legs and pulls me to his chest. My arms wrap around his neck, and I hold on.
I’m lost inside my hopeless thoughts. My eyes are open, but I don’t see anything. His words ping pong around my head, bouncing from one terrifying thought to another. I’m going to have to hurt Cooper.
I’m going to lie to him.
I need to find a way to make him stay in Bell Buckle because he won’t listen if I just tell him to. He’ll fight back and show up regardless.
Wade carries me back to the bus without complaint. He climbs the stairs and sits me on the couch. I immediately curl into myself.
“Emily.” He touches my face, and my tears continue to drop.
Something hits me. Wade works for Cooper. I lift my head and sit up quickly. “Will you break the contract with Cooper?” I ask.
“What?”
“Will you end your contract with him and work for me?” I clarify.
Wade scratches the back of his head with his ball cap. “I’m telling you there’s no way he’s going to fire me.”
I shake my head. “I didn’t think he would. I’m asking you to work for me. I don’t want Cooper involved.”
He takes a seat next to me. “This is going to blow over.”
“No. It isn’t.” I wipe my face and look away.
I can’t let it.
“I know you’re upset, but he is trying to protect you.”
I can’t talk about this. I don’t know if the crazy man who wants to hurt Cooper to win me is listening. The pain of what I’m about to do slices through me. My chest aches, and I try to hold myself together.
“Can you please let me have a few minutes to myself?” I ask Wade. “I want you to stop relaying anything about me to Cooper. Can you do that?”
He sighs and drops his head. “Sure.” I hear the disappointment in his voice, but it’s vital they don’t communicate.
