Page 106 of Forgive Me Father

"She and I will come," Aiden hisses. "And you can bet your sorry ass it's to say goodbye, not that you deserve it. "

Grabbing Zoey's phone, Aiden takes charge.

"Goodbye, Seth."

"Wait, Aiden, your sister-"

Hanging up, Aiden tosses the phone on the couch.

"Zoey, I'm so sorry," I whisper, rolling my thumb over her knuckles as I hold her hand.

"I'm sure whatever he’s done, it’ll be a well-deserved punishment," She says coldly.

Grabbing her phone and jacket, she swipes her keys from the table.

"Go. I'll leave you both to it. I'm still trying to get Roman to pick up the phone."

Still hesitant, Aiden trails behind Zoey.

"Call me if you need me. I'll be back soon."

Laying on the couch, I stare at my phone’s screen, my nerves frayed with each passing minute. It’s been fourhours since I arrived at the apartment, an hour since Zoey and Aiden left, and still, the silence is oppressive.

Suddenly, the door rattles from frantic knocks. I jump, clutching my phone as if it might offer some solace.

“Eden,” Roman’s voice cuts through the stillness, a breathless whisper of relief. “Can you let me in?”

A surge of hope propels me to the door. I swing it open, my breath catching at the sight before me.

Roman stands there, a figure out of a nightmare, cloaked in a bloodstained hoodie. The dark hood shrouds most of his face, but the crimson splatter paints a grim picture of what lies beneath. His hands and face are streaked with dried blood, and he moves quickly inside, locking the door behind him.

“Roman—”

“He’s gone,” Roman snaps, pulling down his hood to reveal a face marred by the aftermath of violence.

My heart races, a mix of dread and relief. “W-who is gone, Roman? Are you hurt?” I reach out, hands trembling as I try to touch his face.

He grabs my wrists, his grip firm and unyielding. “Eric is gone,” He murmurs, his eyes intense. “He can never hurt you again.”

My gaze fixes on the blood that stains his clothes, the realization slowly dawning “Did you—did you hurt him, Roman?”

He doesn’t answer immediately, but the intensity in his eyes and the grim satisfaction on his face speak volumes.

“Are you okay?” I press, desperation lacing my voice.

Roman nods, his expression hardening. “I’ve taken care of him. I made sure he paid for what he did to you. You’re safe now.”

"He can't hurt me again?"

“Nothing will hurt you, Eden Faulkner, so long as my heart is beating.”

His words are a vow, a promise that envelops me as I wrap my arms around his neck, surrendering completely to his presence.

“Are you scared of me?” He asks, his breath warm against my ear. I shake my head, the fear of the night melting away in his embrace.

“This whole night, the scariest thing was you not answering your phone,” I whisper, feeling his hands trace a path down my side. He lifts me effortlessly, my legs wrapping around his waist, drawing me closer.

“I can’t think clearly when it comes to you, Eden,” He breathes into my ear.