Page 45 of His Promise

Abi nods, the admittance sending more tears streaming down her face.

…I want it to be clear that I’m not interested in your money. I don’t want anything from you.

Abi looks away from me and covers a hand over her mouth like she can’t bear to let any sounds escape. My eyes take in her trembling hands, and it’s too much for me. It reminds me too much of the pain I trap inside myself. I can feel it trying to rip her open to escape, as if it’s happening to me.

Because it is.

I close the distance between us and stop an inch in front of her. Without thinking, my hands raise to wrap around her, but I pause there, studying her face, waiting for her to tell me to get away.

She doesn’t even look at me.

I place my hands on her shoulders, and she lets out a gurgled cry. She presses her hand firmer on her lips, and I take her in my arms and pull her close, one hand steady on her back and the other in her hair.

Gradually at first, and then all at once, she lets herself unravel into me. Sobs wrack her body and her hand leaves her mouth to cling to my shirt.

“Shhh, it’s okay. You’re okay.”

I whisper reassurances to her and run my fingers through her hair, sending a fresh wave of fruity scent into my nostrils each time I do. It’s minutes before I realize I’m inhaling it like it’s fueling me, and Abi’s cries have silenced.

“You’re all right,” I whisper once more, placing my lips on her head.

I ready myself to step back, give her some space and try to figure out what the hell just happened. Abi’s voice stops me.

“I’m not, though…”

“Yes, you are. You’re safe now, Abi.”

She pulls away and wipes the moisture from her face. My hands move to her shoulders, and I can’t seem to move them farther than that.

“You don’t get it,” she says, flatly. “It’s only a matter of time before my husband finds us.”

I quickly realize she's still married to the monster..

She doesn’t exude fear when she says it. More like acceptance.

“If he finds you here, he won’t be able to get to you. I can let the police know about him. He’ll be arrested before—”

Abi’s humorless laugh cuts me off. She rubs underneath her eyes and shakes her head. “You don’t know my husband, Colter. He has just as much influence as you do and a hell of a lot more determination. Just… just let it go, okay? Let’s stick to the plan, and in a couple months, you’ll never have to see me again. It’s best if Zeke and I don’t stay in one place too long.”

She shrugs my hands off her shoulders, and I let them fall to my sides. There are several things on the tip of my tongue, but my mouth doesn’t seem capable of speaking them. She’s wrong. I have the means to keep her and her son safe, it doesn’t matter who she’s married to.

And she doesn’t have to leave Vegas.

An uncomfortable weight shifts in my torso at my own thought. If she doesn’t leave Vegas, it would be trouble for her. The Gruco’s would need to be convinced that she isn’t a threat, even more so than now. It’d be better for her if she left. Safer.

Right?

Her boy’s image floats into my mind, and the weight gets heavier. I didn’t have much at his age. My father barely accepted me as his son, and my mother’s family cut her off for ever being with him. It was just me and her and this city. Abi has no idea how much Zeke needs her. And no idea how much he needs a home.

Abi runs her hands over her face and takes a deep breath. “Well,” she says with fake humor. “That was unnecessarily intense. I’m sorry I laid all that on you.”

“Don’t be.” I shake my head. “I’m the one who should apologize… I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Her lips lift slightly and she crosses her arms over her chest. She glances toward the door. “I should go.”

“Are you sure you’re good to drive? I’d be happy to pay your sitter extra if you can wait for a cab. I’ll take your car home behind you.”

She shakes her head. “Zeke is spending the night at a friend’s house, and I’m fine. I’ll see you… when you call next, I guess. Do you think we’re good for now?”

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