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“I would never hurt you.”

Shelby blinks, breaking the spell.

“Daddd,” the loud shout is followed by a frustrated rattle.

“That fucking door.” I close my eyes. “It’s getting fixed on my next day off.”

“Go,” Shelby urges, “before she actually pees herself.”

We hear Riley trying to get into the bathroom again.

“I’ll be right back.” The words sound like both a warning and a reassurance. Kissing her forehead, I step back, once, then twice. Turning, I head down the hallway, smiling when I see an annoyed Riley.

It’s not until I hear the sound of the front door closing that I realize . . . I left Shelby alone with the front door open, her phone on the side, and my car keys in the bowl.

Fuck!

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

Shelby

The panic on Leonard’s face when he ran through the front door to see me reversing out of his driveway haunts me all the way to the Cromwell campgrounds, along with the ringing of my cell.

The Jag feels large and too powerful as I maneuver it off the main road and onto the gravel ground.

How does he drive this thing?

I’m extra slow and careful as I pull up to the main cabin. I should go to the Cromwells’ lake house since it’s not far. But what would I even say? I’ve fallen for a man who kills his patients? What about his ex-wife? My heart thumps in my chest.

I don’t want to ask the question because I don’t want to know the answer.

But I do know Kaleb. If I turn up at their house upset, the first thing he’ll do is call Leo to tell him I’m safe . . . and maybe start a fight.

Closing my eyes, I lean back on the headrest.

How the fuck did we get here?

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Leonard

Ending the call, I fist the cell in my hand. It takes everything I have not to throw it.

Fuck!

Swiping the screen to life, I check the location of my car again.

The camp.

This is good,I remind myself. She’s safe there. Sinking onto the sofa, I scrub a hand through my hair.

I can’t lose her. I won’t.

Please answer me, baby.

I wait with bated breath for Shelby to text me back. When no reply comes, I send another plea.

Let me fix this.

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