Page 64 of Beaten

That stung, but I ignored it and continued, “I’d asked her out on a date earlier, and she said yes. We were going to talk to you first, I swear.” I paused and took a deep breath. “But then I kissed her,” technically she’d kissed me, and it was crazy sexy, but I didn’t think he’d want to hear that. “And when I realized how inappropriate it was, I said: Fuck, this is a mistake.” I ran my hand through my hair. “Except I didn’t mean kissing her, or dating her, I meant the circumstances.”

Chris’s expression had slowly changed from murderous to miffed as I explained.

This wasn’t how I’d wanted to have this conversation with him, but I didn’t have much of a choice, so I confessed.

“I like her Chris. She’s the first woman I’ve considered dating since Isabelle.” It wasn’t an exaggeration, I hadn’t evenlooked twice at a woman. And he knew it. “I didn’t plan on this. Hell, the last thing I expected when I took this job was to be attracted to her. But I am. She’s an amazing woman, but you know that,” he nodded, “and if she’s willing to listen to me, I’d like to apologize and beg her to forgive me.” I paused, giving him a moment to process it all. His face relaxed into a slightly less miffed expression, so I pushed forward. “I’d like to take her out, do things the right way. With your permission, of course, but first I have to apologize.’

I held my breath while I waited out the awkward silence as Chris took forever and a day to make up his mind. Despite having known him most of my life, I wasn’t sure what he’d decide.

After a few more seconds, he said, “You need to fix this. And if you ever make my baby sister cry again, I’ll kill you.”

“Noted.” I held out my hand and waited for him to shake it.

“I’m only giving you a chance because I know you, and I trust your intentions, despite how pissed off I am right now.”

“Thank you.” That meant a lot. “Listen, I know it’s a big ask, but any chance you can convince her to talk to me tonight?”

Chris shook his head in disbelief, then said, “I’ll ask, but I won’t force the issue.” His back was to the house so he couldn’t see Ashley staring out the window, turning back towards the room every so often. I assumed she was reporting what she was seeing to Emily and the smile on her face gave me hope.

“Wait here.”

I nodded, folded my hands in front of my waist, and mentally prepared myself for a long wait. After a few minutes, Chris opened the door and waved me in.

The first thing I noticed when I stepped inside was how badly Emily’s hands were trembling.No way that’s because of me.I might have hurt her, and even pissed her off, but I hadn’t scared her.

Every other thought fled my mind as concern drove me across the room in a few long strides. I got on my knees and took her hands in mine. Ignoring everyone else in the room, asked, “Emily, what happened?”

She shook her head as tears started to well up in her puffy, red-rimmed eyes.

“Emily, please. I’m sorry I hurt you, but I don’t think that’s what this is about.” I wiped away a tear, then gently lifted her chin so she had to meet my eyes.

She sniffled, then glanced at Chris, Vicky, and Ashley before whispering, “Craig texted and called me.”

I ground my teeth and forced myself not to clench my fist around Emily’s delicate hand. It wouldn’t help the situation if I let my anger show.

“What? When?” Chris asked, sounding both shocked and angry.

I looked at Vicky, begging her without words to let me sit next to Emily; thankfully she understood, got up, and stood near Chris. I sat down, put a comforting arm around Emily, and felt her shoulders relax under the weight of my arm. I pulled out my phone and quickly texted Dean to let him know Craig had made phone contact.

Emily answered her brother’s questions while Ashley interjected her support for Emily, and her anger at Asshat Craig.

“Emily, can I see the texts and listen to the voicemails?” I needed to know what he’d said, and gauge if he was an immediate threat. She nodded and handed me her phone with the text app open. It wasn’t hard to see the anger escalating in his texts. When I handed it back to her, so she could pull up the voicemails, she asked if she should play them on speaker.

I said no; not only did she not need to hear them again, but no one else needed to hear them either.

My blood boiled as I listened to the voicemails, and it took every ounce of training I’d ever had to keep my face neutral and my hands relaxed. I wanted to kill the bastard for threatening Emily.

After I finished, I thought Emily was probably right, the thump at the end of the last call was more than likely him passing out, but I wasn’t taking any chances.

Without thinking about how it sounded, I said, “Emily, I think you should stay with me tonight.” Emily looked shocked, and Chris grumbled, so I quickly corrected myself. “Not with me, but at the house. You and Ashley can have my room, I’ll sleep on the couch.”

I didn’t like the vacant look in her eyes as she nodded her head, like she didn’t think she had a choice. Because she did. I might not like it, and I’d stay up all night watching the house, but I’d respect her answer.She can’t read your mind.

“Emily, it’s up to you. And I’ll respect your decision.” I said, at the same time Chris asked if it was really necessary.

Emily asked, “What about my parents?”

I answered Emily first. “Dean’s parked outside, he’ll watch out for them.”

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