Page 93 of His Property

I lift my shoulders. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He lets it go and walks to the window. He moves the curtain and peers out at the road. “I need to find that kid.”

“And encourage him to go to the police.”

Victor glances at me then goes back to the window.

“Victor, promise me you aren’t going to scare him.”

“He threw a brick through my window.”

“Victor.”

When he doesn’t look at me, I go to him and put my hand on his arm. He finally turn to me, and I frown.

“Promise me, if you hurt or scare anyone, it will only be Cora.”

“This doesn’t concern you, Mae.”

“I can’t be with someone who would scare or hurt a child.”

Victor sighs. “He probably isn’t a child. Gabi can be dramatic, and she’s biased because of Cora’s… type. He could be a grown man.”

“And if he isn’t?” I ask, somehow knowing he isn’t. At least not by my standards.

My mind goes to TJ. Victor didn't consider him a child. I see Victor with his foot on TJ’s throat in my mind, and I recoil. Bile rises up my throat.

That’s what this man is capable of.That.

What the hell am I doing with him? No wonder I can’t admit out loud that I love him. I’m terrified of him and what he’s capable of. I love him. I do. But to lock down my life with him? To spend every day wondering what he’s doing? Who he’s hurting?

Is it too much?

Victor considers it for a moment, and my heart sinks.

He runs his hand through his hair and lets out a long breath. “Then I’ll encourage him to go to the police.”

I don’t believe him.

“Promise?”

Victor nods. “Promise.”

He kisses me on the lips, then feels his pocket for his keys and glances toward the door. “I need to go now, okay? While he’s still on the run.”

I swallow and consider telling him to stay. Would he even if I asked?

“I love you,” he says, kissing me on the forehead. He walks to the door and swings it open. He turns his head and gazes at me. “Lock up if you leave, please. I’ll be back in a bit.”

I frown as I watch him go, and I walk to the window as he’s getting into his car. I pull out my cell phone and bite my lip as I bring up the number for the police department. I need them to find this kid before Victor does.

25

MAE

Ipull out a quart of Ben & Jerry’s ice cream, cold air curling around my face, and sigh as I swing my freezer door shut. I walk to my silverware drawer and pull out a spoon, then plop down at my kitchen table and yank the top off the container.

I dig my spoon into the ice cream and bring it to my mouth. My eyes close as the taste of chocolate chip cookie dough hits my tongue.

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