Page 46 of Brutal Bond

I don’t get off until eleven.

I’ll be there at midnight.

Just you.

Ok.

Eddie left several hours ago suddenly. Informing me that he didn’t have time to explain, he gave me a kiss, a promise of a call, and strict instructions. Under no circumstances am I to leave his place or open the door to anyone.

I pace for a moment, knowing I need to go and meet the detective tonight, but also knowing that Eddie will be fucking livid if I do.

He wants to see me.

Eddie

No.

He’s going to be at the apartment at midnight.

And you aren’t!

I just got to the hospital to check on my friend. I will be home within the hour.

So fucking help me if you leave before I get there.

My thumbs rest against the screen, trying to figure out my response, when another message from Eddie pops up.

Do I need to get back in the fucking car? Or are you going to tell me you aren’t going anywhere?

I’m staying put.

Good girl.

I set the phone down for a second before lifting it back off the table to text Nikki.

Call me.

I wait a few minutes before trying to call her. It goes straight to voicemail, and as usual, her inbox is full.

Do not go home tonight.

Stay anywhere else.

You can come here if you need to.

As promised, Eddie walks through the door within the hour. His arms are immediately wrapped around me, pulling me close—possessively tight—as he places a firm kiss against the top of my head.

“I told you.” He pulls back and firmly cups my face between his hands. “He’s never fucking putting so much as a hand on your again.”

“But the video? Nikki?” I blurt out.

“Fuck the video,” he continues to hold my face tightly. “And she’s a big fucking girl; she can take care of herself. You will never fucking be alone with him again, understood?”

I nod, struggling against the vise that’s keeping my face tilted toward his. Eddie stares down at me, his gaze dark. “You are mine. And he will not touch what is mine.”

Tears well in my eyes, both from his painful grip on my face and his words.

His.

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