Dark Boundaries(59)

After the shower I get her to put on some comfy clothes and wrap a towel around my waist. I tuck her in bed. “I’m going to get you something to drink and eat.” I start to get up but she reaches out to stop me.

“I’m not hungry.” Her eyes plead with mine. “Can you just hold me? Just for a little while?”

I first put on some slacks and then get in behind her. I wrap my arms around her and hold her tight. We don’t talk but we don’t sleep either. We just lie together trying to deal with all that happened. I’m just glad she’s letting me hold her.

~*~





Chapter Forty Four



Kristine~

It feels like some part of me, a part I’ve desperately tried to cling to just shriveled up and died.

I snuggle as close as I can to Garrett. I need his body’s warmth to chase away the chill in my bones.

I was so wrong! I accused Garrett of being a killer but reveled in it when he killed Warren and Bill. I’ve learned a tough lesson. Never say never. Garrett killed Eric to keep us all safe and then he killed Bill and Warren to keep me safe once again.

The night slowly creeps in and it grows dark in the apartment, but Garrett doesn’t get up to put on some lights. He just keeps holding me. I have a burning need to make things right. I hope it’s not too late to fix things. I turn in his arms. He starts to pull away and I can’t see his face in the dark to judge his emotions.

“I’m sorry I called you a killer. I’m sorry I said all those things to you!” I brush my fingers over the worry lines on his face. “Today I realized how good you’ve been to me all along. No matter how hard I tried to place you in the monster category alongside them, I never could and now I know why. It’s because of you always protected me and you showed me you cared in so many ways. You never treated me like they did. To them I was nothing more than merchandise, but you …” My voice becomes hoarse and I clear my throat. “You were always tender. I’m so sorry, Garrett. I’m sorry for ever thinking you were the same as them. I now understand why Riza is so happy with Justin.”

I can’t keep the miserable tears from falling. Garrett reaches up and gently cups my cheeks. He uses his thumbs to caress the tears away.

“I didn’t want you to suffer like that to realize I’m not the same as them. I only ever wanted to keep you safe.” Garrett takes my hand and kisses each of my fingers tips. “I shouldn’t have left you alone at the hospital. It’s my fault. I keep placing you in danger. I should’ve-”

I place a finger to his lips, stopping him. “No, Garrett. None of the crap that happened was your fault. The men responsible for the hell we’ve all been through are now dead. Thanks to you they’ll never hurt anyone again. If you weren’t in that club the night we were taken, Warren would’ve gotten other men to help him. They would have killed us all.” I press my forehead to his chest and take a deep breath, filling my lungs with him. “You saved me. You saved me when I was taken. You saved me by buying me at the auction and now again, by coming for me today. I’ll never be able to repay you.”

He places soft kisses in my hair. I snuggle as close as I can get to him and feel safe when his arms fold around me. “I don’t want you to repay me. You can go back to Florida and your bookstore.”

Shock shudders through me. I’ve ruined it all. It’s too late! Garrett doesn’t want me anymore.

I close my eyes and cry myself to sleep where only nightmares wait for me.

~*~





Chapter Forty Five



Garrett~

It’s been four months since I last saw Kristine and not a day has passed I have not thought of her. I’ve stayed in New York not trusting myself to be in the same town as her. I know I’ve done the right thing by letting her go. She needs to be free to live her life and her dreams.

I’ve waited until the very last minute before boarding a plane for Florida. Justin and Riza’s wedding is in two days. I’ll only spend two days in the same town as her. Surely I can last two days?

I haven’t slept well since she left. I go to bed late and get up early. This morning is no different. I watch the sunrise over the ocean. It’s a peaceful view but there is no peace in my heart. I wait until the sun has risen to a bright yellow before I start my morning run. I try to outrun my guilt, but I’ve yet to succeed.

I run along the shore, away from the main street her store is in. I keep my eyes on the sand, watching it flash by under my feet. It’s still wet and hard, making it easier to run. A little later and the sand will be soft and hot.

On my way back I pass the deck that leads to the main street. I dare a quick glance. I don’t know why I torture myself like this. I’m going to see her tomorrow anyway. She and Kelly are Riza’s bridesmaids. I’m the best man. Fuck, I’m going to spend the whole service staring at her. I can already see what a fuckup tomorrow’s going to be.