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He notices my reaction, of course, and raises an eyebrow. “You in the mood for another spanking? I’m happy to oblige.”
He holds up one of his huge hands, and my pussy clenches a little. I laugh. “Tempting offer, but no thank you. I do actually have stuff I need to do today. And I might need to sit down while I do it.”
Also, I cannot allow myself to be tempted back into the world of Mr. and Mrs. Smith. We just had sex, and it was fantastic sex—but I need a clear head. This needs to be the last time, at least for a while. I meant what I said when I told him I needed time and space.
“You have your interview at the center, right?”
“More of an informal chat from what I’ve been told. See if we’re a good fit.”
“It will go great. They’ll be lucky to have you.” He squeezes me tighter and plants a kiss on the top of my head. “I heard what you said earlier, and I will give you the time and space you need, but will you let me hold onto you a bit longer?”
I nod and snuggle into him, allowing us both a few more minutes. When I kiss his chest and sit up, he smooths my hair back from my face and gives me a comforting smile. “I know this is bit of a mood killer, but before I go, I need to ask… What do you want to do about Freddie?” The name causes me to tense up, but Elijah expected it and is already soothing me with long strokes down my spine.
I close my eyes and take a deep breath. “I don’t know. I was asking myself that yesterday. I’d be lying if I said part of me doesn’t want to forget all about it. That would be easier, but it would also make me a coward.”
“No, it would make you human. You had a traumatic experience. Of course you want to forget about it. And if that’s what you choose, then I will support you. But…”
“But I won’t have been the first.” I sigh. “He was so cocky. So confident. This wasn’t the first time he assaulted a woman.”
“I think you’re right. The way he spoke to me too… He was laughing. He obviously thought he’d gotten away with it again, and I suspect he’s been doing this for years.” He grits his teeth, his expression like thunder. “If you’re up for it, I’d like to make sure that, although you weren’t the first, you will be the last.”
“Do you think we should call the police?”
“We could do that,” he offers. “Or you could leave it to me.”
“What do you mean?” I ask, frowning. “Elijah, I know what you’re like, how protective you are—I can’t stand the man, but please don’t kill him, okay?”
He sucks his upper lip, and I can tell he’s considered it. My husband, the psychopath. “I won’t kill him. But I will make sure he never hurts another woman. Do you trust me?” I raise my eyebrows, and he adds, “Do you trust me with this one particular thing? I promise I won’t end up on death row.”
“And also promise me you won’t do anything that hurts Martha.”
He scowls. “Why do you give a fuck about her? She was part of this.”
“Yes, but… We aren’t besties or anything, but Iknow Martha. She’s… Okay, sometimes she’s vapid and self-obsessed and shallow, but most of that seems like an act. She reminds me of a wounded bird, Elijah. Her husband…” I shake my head. “He hurts women for sport. I can just imagine how much abuse she’s taken over the years. And their girls, they’re only fifteen. They’re innocent in all of this. When I was waiting for you, before— Well, I considered involving the police, but I kept coming back to the same thing: What would it do to those poor girls if their dad was all over the media for being a sexual predator?”
Sighing, he nods. “Yeah. Okay.” Then he shakes his head and gazes at me with wonder. “You’re amazing, you know that?” Before I can think of how to respond, he continues. “Let me handle it, all right? I promise I will make sure Martha and the girls are protected. But that little shit will rue the day he ever touched you.” The quiet, deadly fury in his voice sends a shiver down my spine. He is always civilized on the surface, but when the people he loves are hurt, well.
Freddie Kemp is about to discover exactly what lies under the polished James veneer. If only I could be a fly on the wall.
I wriggle up in his arms and kiss him lightly. “All right, I’ll let you handle it. And please, don’t tell Drake or Nathan or anyone else. I’m not ashamed—I have nothing to be ashamed of—but I don’t want to rehash any of this with them.”
“Of course, baby. Anything you want.”
“Right now, I want to go so I can get ready for my meeting,” I say, jumping out of bed before he can stop me.
He climbs out of bed and stretches. Hell’s bells, he really is a work of art. I pick up the Ramones T-shirt and throw it at him. “You can take this with you if you’d like.”
“Nah.” Giving me a knowing look, he slowly rubs it over his chest. “I think I’ll leave this here with you. So you won’t forget about me.”
I walk away as though I’m not at all bothered.
Fat chance, I think as I escape into the hallway, my cheeks blazing, the image of his gorgeous body seared on my eyeballs. I couldn’t forget him if I tried.
ChapterThirty
ELIJAH
Iget dressed and call Gretchen, planning to head straight to see Nathan. Amber promised she’s doing better, and I made sure she ate before I left. Sanjay is going to take her to Queens and wait there until she’s done, which makes me feel more relaxed about leaving her. I’m hardly in a position to preach about Queens being dangerous, anyway, not after Freddie’s assault. Having a Manhattan zip code doesn’t mean you’re safe—and he’s about to find that out himself. The hard way.