Page 25 of Dart to Me
“I don’t care who he is. Nobody’s going to hurt you.”
She shakes her head, a sad smile playing at her lips. “That’s what Miles said too.”
“If you haven’t noticed, I’m nothing like Miles. On any level.” I pace the small living room, processing this. “So Miles isn’t the problem. He’s trying to protect you, too?”
“In his way. But his way means I keep running, keep hiding.” Her voice hardens. “I’m tired of living like that.”
I stop pacing and face her directly. “Running is exactly what he wants. It isolates you, makes you vulnerable.”
“First, you stop packing that suitcase.”
“It’s not that simple?—”
“Second,” I continue, squeezing her hand, “we call Miles.”
Her eyes widen. “What?”
“I don’t like the guy, and I sure as hell don’t like how he talks to you or about you. But if he genuinely wants to help, we could use the extra set of eyes.”
Ellie pulls her hand away, standing up to pace again. “You and Miles in the same room? That’s a disaster waiting to happen.”
“Maybe. But we’re both on your side, even if we can’t stand each other.” I lean forward, elbows on my knees. “And third, we find out exactly what Rick is after.
ELLIE
I did not expect that.Especially after only a couple of dates. But something about us… it doesn’t feel like that. Somehow, I trust him more than I ever did Miles.
My ex-husband has always been there, but not in the same way. Sometimes it’s hard in a small town. There are only so many decent men and for the most part, he treated me good. Until he didn’t.
When I found out he was sleeping with her… my whole worldview changed. I had been the good wife. Made sure he had dinner ready when he got home. Made sure his needs were fulfilled, but still felt so empty at the end of the day.
And now because of Julian… I know exactly why. He did things on his terms. Only things that benefitted him. And that’s why it never worked out between us.
Julian has always communicated. Hell, he fulfilled my needs more in one night than Miles did in twelve years. Honestly, I don’t think he ever went into sex wanting to make sure I got off. It was always about him. And with Julian… it’s all about me.
“I’m right next door. That prick isn’t getting anywhere near you. But the police need to know. Even though you don’t wanthim in your business, this is his job. He can’t protect you from what he doesn’t know about.”
I sigh, knowing he is right. “Fine. I’ll talk to him tomorrow.”
Julian’s eyes soften as he reaches across the table, his hand covering mine. “I’ll go with you if you want.”
That’s the thing about Julian. He doesn’t just offer solutions—he offers himself alongside them. Not to take over, but to support.
“Thank you,” I whisper, turning my palm up to intertwine our fingers. “It’s just... embarrassing, you know? Everyone in town will find out.”
“They’ll find out you’re standing up for yourself. That’s nothing to be ashamed of.”
I wonder what I did to deserve someone like him walking into my life just when I needed it most.
“Miles never took no for an answer. Not just with sex. With everything. My opinions, my dreams, what I wanted to do with the house... he’d smile and nod, then do whatever he wanted, anyway.”
Julian’s jaw tightens. “That’s not happening anymore. Not while I’m around.”
For the first time in years, I believe those words when someone says them. There’s something solid about Julian—something I can actually lean on without fear of it crumbling beneath me.
“Stay tonight,” I blurt out. “Not for... that. Just stay. Please.”
He doesn’t hesitate. “I’ll be right here. As long as you need.”
