Page 46 of Pretty Little Trigger

CHAPTER 45

Hunter

I’m lying in bed.

Staring at the ceiling like it holds answers.

Sleep’s a distant memory.

Has been for hours. My phone buzzes beside me on the bed.

9.45 a.m. I haven’t slept a wink.

Callum:

Michael Ashby has terminated your contract.

Said his daughter can look after herself.

How do you want me to respond?

It lands like a bullet between my ribs.

It doesn’t hit. It lodges.

Deep.

I sit up slowly, the phone still in my hand, screen burning like it knows the damage it just delivered.

I clench my jaw, force the thoughts into order.

I should be proud. This is what I wanted, right?

To make her strong enough to not need me.

Good, I tell myself.

It’s what’s best for her.

Hunter:

The money’s already back.

He doesn’t need to hire anyone else.

She’s safe.

It’s partly true.

Samuel is still running around, but I’ll handle him myself.

I set the phone down.

I don’t linger. I stand.

I pack. Get dressed in silence.

No hesitation. No second thoughts.

Just movement.

If I stay, I’ll beg.

If I stay, I’ll break.

So I leave.

But I’ll still be watching.

From the shadows. From the feeds I rerouted months ago without her knowing.

Because no matter what she says, she’ll always be mine to protect.

She wanted freedom? I’ll give it to her.

Even if it kills me.