Page 65 of More Than a Match

“He should lose his license anyway!” my mother snaps. “He’s a monster!”

“And he still might,” I say. “This way though, he can hold on to the shred of hope that he gets to keep it. Pressing charges just leads to him losing everything, including his reputation. He’s too egotistical to let that happen.”

“Well, that’s good news for Alex then,” my father says, “as long as the DA doesn’t pick up the case and press charges themselves.”

“Wait, that can happen?”

“Oh yes. If they deem the crime horrific enough, they can still pick up the case and pursue it anyway.”

My elation turns to dread. “Do you think that will happen?”

“Honestly, no. I don’t. Given the state of crime in the city, and the fact that this was a crime of passion that followed a documented trail of harassment and sexual assault, I think they would consider this one a wash. Not worth the time to prosecute, since Alex was severely provoked.”

“Oh, I hope that’s the case.” I wring my hands nervously. “I just want this to be over.”

A deputy pokes his head out of the door. “You are the family of Alex Guirero, right?”

“Yes, that’s us,” my father stands and walks toward the door. “I’m his father-in-law. Do you have an update?”

My stomach flutters at the sound of my dad calling Alex his son-in-law.Family.This is what I had only dreamed of. Shame it took a damn assault to make it happen, but it seems like in my father’s eyes, at least for now, all is forgiven between us.

“Great news, then! We will be releasing him shortly. He’s just gotta go through some paperwork and stuff first, but it won’t be much longer. Then you can take him home.”

“Oh, thank god,” I exhale.

“Thank you, officer,” my father says, extending his hand for a firm handshake. “Thank you very much.”

“You’re welcome, sir.” He looks past my father to address me and my mom. “Hang tight, ladies. He’s almost done.”

A little while later the door opens again, and Alex emerges. I fly across the room and bury my face in his chest, holding him close. After all the drama of the night, the only thing I want is to be safe in his arms, and for him to be secure in mine.

“I thought they were going to take you from me,” I whisper, breathing in his scent. “I thought I lost you.”

“No, Princess. As long as I’m breathing, you’ll never lose me. I’ll always find my way back to you.” He holds me tightly and presses a kiss to the top of my head.

My father clears his throat, causing Alex to release the embrace.

“Sir, I—” his words trail off as my father practically tackles him in a hug.

“Thank you. Thank you for stepping in to save my daughter. We are all indebted to you.”

“Oh, sir, you don’t need to thank me. I was doing what any man would do in my position. I love your daughter, and I’d do anything for her.”

“We see that,” my mother said softly, approaching him. “I’m so sorry that we passed judgement on you. You are marvelous. It’s no wonder our Mina chose you. We were… I was wrong.”

My father steps aside so my mother can embrace him. My eyes well with tears again, but this time they are tears of joy and relief. Everything is going to be ok.

It has been three weeks since the Halloween incident, as we’ve all taken to calling it. Jason was fired, of course, given the circumstances surrounding everything. Between the harassment and assault, and the drug problem, it was a no-brainer for the board to revoke his license. He’s still here in the hospital but should be discharged later this week. If he wants to get his license back, he’s going to have to go to rehab and therapy, and his best bet is to try to apply for it in another state. Finally, I’m free. I won’t have to worry about him anymore.

I flit around the apartment, lighting candles and scattering rose petals on the floor as I ponder this past week, and what comes next.

Part of me worries about potential victims in his future, but I think he learned his lesson. Alex all but castrated him, so sex will probably be the last thing on his mind for a long time. Alex has been so patient with me in the aftermath of my traumatic experience, giving me whatever I need and being respectful of any physical contact. I’ve seen a therapist, and she’s helping me work through everything. Everyone has a different timeline for healing, and how they handle the trauma, but I think I’m ready. Alex doesn’t know it, but tonight, I’m planning to jump his bones. My monster rested for a little while, but she’s awake again, and she’s hungry.

EPILOGUE: 3 YEARS LATER

ALEX

I drop my keys on the counter and greet the orange cat anxiously winding his way around my ankles and meowing insistently.

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