Page 79 of Eat Your Heart Out

John’s voice rose. “Is that why they’re circling my apartment in Virgin Cove?”

Blood whooshed through my veins. My hands curled at my sides, and I wanted to hit him, but I needed to know why he’d hurt her. “You fucking murdered my mom.”

“I love you, Ali,” John said. “You’re the only woman I’ve ever wanted, since you were fourteen.”

“And you’d do anything to have me?”

“Yes. Your mom stood in the way of us being together.”

Gerard pressed his hand on my shoulder. I stilled.

“Ali, let the authorities handle him,” Gerard said.

I took a shallow breath as he directed me away from our bench and John.

“Gerard, I wish we never got off the ship.”

“Me too.” He guided me to the elevator.

We entered and were alone. My mind still raced. The air was heavy, but as we made it outside, I breathed a little easier. John wasn’t supposed to matter. And thankfully, Gerard was with me. He hadn’t saved me from anything. I’d faced John on my own. I smiled as I heard the birds chirping.

“Thank you for assisting me,” I said.

He placed his hands in his pockets, and we walked to our waiting limo.

“I didn’t want to interfere, but once he returns to America, we can alert authorities if you let me send this recording to Jeff.”

“Go for it.” Problem solved. Gerard was practical. I nodded to the driver as he opened our door. “My mother deserved better.”

“She did,” Gerard said and followed me in.

I knew for a fact that whatever happened to me, I would handle it better. No one was going to make me feel worthless again. I wasn’t.

“Want to head to the apartment now?” he asked.

“Absolutely,” I said.

We needed no more interruptions. I was happy and completely damn sure I trusted myself. And life was complete with Gerard.