Page 5 of Broken

“Ready?” he asked.

I nodded. I knew if I spoke, tears would flow again and I didn’t want Damon to see me like that.

“I’ll walk you out.”

I offered a polite smile to Susie before stepping out of the kitchen. Damon didn’t speak as we walked through the dining room, to the living room, and out the front door. The air was crisp. It was almost winter time.

We stood by the SUV. “Security will be with you at all times.”

The SUV was already waiting for me as my things were being piled in the back. I took a moment to look at Damon. As much as he tried to be happy, I knew he wasn’t. Stepping closer to him so I could look into his eyes, I spoke. “I’m not doing this to hurt you.”

He raised a hand to brush a strand of hair out of my face. “I know.”

He pulled the back-passenger door open for me and I moved to slide in. “Kara.”

“Yes?”

“I won’t go down without a fight.”

I smiled. “I look forward to it.”

He shut the door, and as the driver was pulling away, it seemed I was leaving my heart behind.

Chapter Four

KARA

On the way to the condo, I swiped a stray tear that escaped my eyes. This was gonna be a lot harder than I thought. But this was what I knew I needed.

The condo apartments were in town probably fifteen minutes away from where Damon lived.

Arriving on the fifth floor, I punched in the numbers four, three, nine, and six. I wondered if those numbers correlated to anything pertaining to Damon. I was under the understanding the tenants came up with their own codes.

Stepping inside, I noticed how spacious the apartment was, with a large living area and large, floor-length windows. The kitchen was the perfect size where it was not too big or overwhelming. Opening the fridge, I noticed it was fully stocked. That had to be Susie’s doing.

My bags were placed on the floor.

“Matteo?” I questioned.

“Yes, ma’am.”

“You’re my security detail.”

I didn’t even notice he was the one driving the SUV.

“Yes ma’am.”

“Don’t call me ma’am. Call me Kara. Please.”

Why was Damon putting his best man on as my security detail? Was I still in danger? Was it just a precautionary measure? Whatever it was, I was sure Damon had his reasons. Obviously, he wouldn’t trust just anyone to be my security.

Grabbing my bags, I walked down the hall and picked a bedroom out of the two that both had their own bathroom attached. I picked the one with the most natural lighting. Putting my suitcases on the bed, I started unpacking and hanging up my clothes in the empty, spacious closet. There was plenty of room for my stuff. I put some stuff away in the chest of drawers that barely took up half the room. Adding my toiletries to the bathroom, I was all settled in.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d be staying, but for now this was my home and I was thankful for Damon for letting me stay here. Walking back to the living room, I spotted Matteo seated in a chair by the door.

“You don’t have to sit all the way over there in that little chair,” I told him.

“I know. I prefer it.”

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