Page 49 of Say You Won't Let Go
“Okay, I want you to close your eyes,” Wade requests.
I see the panic of her pulse thrumming away on her neck. “We’re right here, Emmy. No one is going to get near you.”
Emily takes a few deep breaths and follows his instruction.
“Think about that night. Focus on your senses. Think about what you felt. Were his hands rough?”
“Yes.” She shivers.
“Did his cheek touch yours? What was it like?”
“He was clean-shaven.”
“Inhale and remember what you smelled. Anything you can tell me?”
Emily continues this way for a few more questions as she gives him more than I thought she ever would. Details that I can see him already starting to piece together.
“You did great, Em. I’m going to have people posted outside the door while I go to work.” Wade’s eyes meet mine, he dips his head, and walks toward the door.
We both stay quiet, the events of the last few days settling around us. Emily shifts to the side and then stands. “I know you hate me, but—”
“I don’t hate you.”
“You should.”
“Because you thought I was going to die so you lied to me?” I get to my feet, and she retreats.
Emily rubs her forehead. “You’ve ignored me for two days. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”
She couldn’t be more wrong. “I think me bein’ here says otherwise.”
Trent was right. I had two choices: fight for her or let her go.
“This is all too much, Cooper. It’s too much.”
“It doesn’t have to be.” I move quickly and gather her in my arms, holding her because I need to.
Emily’s arms wrap around my waist as she clings to me. “The idea of him hurting you...”
“Isn’t going to happen.”
She looks up with concern etched on her perfect face. “I don’t think you get it, Coop. When I got the first letter, I thought it was a joke. I didn’t take it seriously, and we both know what happened. I wasn’t willing to risk it a second time.”
I run my finger down her cheek and graze her lips. “He can’t have you. You’re already taken.”
She lets out a soft sigh. “I am?”
“You didn’t think I’d really give up, did you?”
“I hoped you wouldn’t...”
This woman owns my heart, and I’m perfectly fine with never getting it back.
“You don’t have to hope. I’ll fight through whatever obstacles we encounter. I know you thought you were doing what you had to, but I’m not going anywhere.”
Emily’s lip trembles. “If he hurts you, then what?”
I shrug. “I’m not worried about me.”
