Page 39 of Angels & Whiskey

“I understand. I’m new in town and just trying to make friends,” I explained.

She turned her head finally and looked at me. “I bet you’re a really nice guy, but I just … can’t.”

“Becausehe’llget mad and hit you again?”

“Please,” she begged, still not making a move to leave.

I stood, my chest rubbing on her arm as I stepped closer to her. I could smell the slight scent of warm vanilla sugar and I swallowed before speaking. “I can’t get you out of my head, Autumn. You have no idea what that means to me. And the fact that your husband hits you … I want to save you,” I whispered in her ear.

I meant to say help instead of save, but my tongue slipped. I wasn’t sure why I said save. Maybe because of my background … or maybe because I saw Autumn like an angel just like Alyssa was to me.

“I have to go. He’ll know I talked to you.” She took a step forward, but I grabbed her wrist again.

“He has people watching you?” I whispered as I looked around the room.

She nodded.

“Paul and I can help protect you.” I dropped her wrist, not wanting to scare her more.

“My husband’s a powerful man in this city.”

“I don’t give a shit,” I huffed.

“I have to go.”

Before I could grab her wrist again, she walked quickly out the door.