Page 25 of The Heart You've Borrowed

“I talked to the police yesterday about a restraining order but they said until he does something more they can’t really do anything.” I shake my head.

“That’s such bullshit.” She sighs.

“Yeah, it really is.” My grip tightens on the cup.

“We will figure this out, don’t worry.” She walks over and puts her hand on my shoulder before leaving the kitchen. I stand in silence, staring out the window. A few minutes later Charlie walks into the kitchen.

“Is there any coffee?” She smiles at me.

“Yeah, sit, let me get you some.” I walk over and pour her coffee, handing it to her across the island.

“Where were you yesterday?” She finally asks.

“I was uh at the police station.” I run my hand through my hair.

“Why?”

“I wanted to see if they could do anything about Jett.” I lean back on the counter, crossing my arms across my chest.

“What did they say?” She swallows.

“That they couldn’t do anything.” I let out a laugh, shaking my head.

“Seriously?” She threw her hands up.

“Yup, not until he does something else. So I think you should stay here today at least for a little while and I’ll go back and make sure everything is okay. I’ll install the cameras and hire security to be there around the clock.” I move around the island and stand beside her.

“Okay.” She nods, leaning into me.

“I’ve got you, silly girl.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders, kissing the top of her head.

Chapter Nineteen

Charlie

I spend the rest of the day at Jackson and Juliet’s house, playing with their kids and trying to keep my mind off of things. I can tell they're worried about me, I keep catching them looking at me with pity in their eyes. I hate this, I hate feeling so helpless. I can’t believe the cops won’t help. But that’s just the way things are right? They won’t do anything until the person that you’re terrified of kills you. There has to be something else we can do. He can’t keep controlling my life forever.

Around dinner time Lio comes back and I can’t deny that just by seeing him I get butterflies. I vaguely remember a dream I had last night. I was on a beach with Lio and we were walking during the sunset and everything just felt right, I remember looking over at him and telling him that I loved him. He wrapped me in his arms and it felt so real. It felt like he really was holding me even though it was just a dream.

“Hey.” He walks over and kisses my temple before sitting down next to me at the table.

“Hey, how did everything go today?” I ask.

“Good, cameras are in and I hired two guards, one for the days and one for the nights.” He pulls out his phone and pulls up the camera feed. It shows the warehouse and all the offices and rooms inside.

“Wow, eyes in the sky.” I laughed.

“All but the apartment, just the entryway but not inside. I assumed you wouldn’t like that.” He laughs.

“Thanks.” I rolled my eyes.

“I’ll download the app to your phone tonight so you can see everything too.” He puts his phone away.

“Thanks, that will make me feel better when I’m there alone.” I sigh.

“You won’t be alone, I’ll be staying with you.” Lio takes a sip of his beer.

“Yeah, but you can’t be with me at all times. You have to work and live your life.” I laugh.

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