Page 63 of Saving Saul

Then I see it.

The small velvet box in his hand.

My heartstops.

He holds it out between us, his fingers gripping it tightly, his expression unreadable.

“I should’ve done this a long time ago,” he says, his voice thick with emotion.

I sit up slowly, my pulse hammering so loud I can barely hear the words coming out of his mouth.

“I know I don’t deserve you,” he continues. “I know I’ve put you through hell. But there’s one thing I’ve never doubted, not even for a second.”

He flips open the box, revealing a diamond that catches the dim light, sparkling like the night sky.

“You and me? We were always meant to be, sweetheart. So, I’m asking you right here, right now.”

He takes a deep breath, his eyes burning into mine.

“Tessa Baptiste, will you marry me?”

Tears spill down my cheeks as I listen to his second proposal. The first one was behind a wall, but this one is with me in his arms.

He won’t leave this time. I must believe that.

I take a steadying breath, but before I can answer, the sound of sirens cuts through the night.

The police are here.

A CLOSE CALL

TESSA

Saul stiffens beside me,and I can feel the shift in the air between us—warmth turning to cold dread. Outside the window, four officers in crisp uniforms fan out across the porch, their presence heavy with unspoken accusation.

Antoine isn’t with them. Thank God. But the relief is fleeting. My stomach twists as I turn to Saul, the weight of the situation pressing down like a storm cloud.

“What are we going to do?” My voice wavers, betraying the fear I’m trying to keep at bay. “What if he dug into your past after Antoine figured out who you were? What if he figured out that Patrick was missing? What if he figured out that you killed him?

Whoa, Tessa. You’re spiraling.

Saul doesn’t answer right away. He moves purposefully, yanking open a drawer and pulling out a sweatshirt and shorts. He tosses them to me but then pauses, his sharp eyes scanning my face. He’s in front of me in two quick strides, kneeling to dress me himself, his hands gentle but efficient as he pulls the sweatshirt over my head.

He stands up and pulls on a matching outfit, then takes my face in his hands, forcing me to meet his gaze. His tone is calm, but the fire in his eyes speaks of unshakable resolve.“Listen, sweetheart. The second he ran my name, he’d have found nothing. I’ve paid good money to ensure I’m a ghost in the system. Especially America’s system. Don’t worry—I’ve got this.”

My eyes widen, my breath coming in shallow bursts. “What if this isn’t just about Crescent Hall? What if?—”

He cuts me off, his voice firm. “The fact that Antoine didn’t show up himself tells me he knows this looks bad for him. He shouldn’t have touched you, and Crescent Hall has cameras everywhere. He’s bluffing, trying to scare us.”

I swallow hard, forcing myself to focus. “But how did he find us? This place is remote.”

Saul tilts his head, his jaw tightening before he speaks. “Did you call your sister while you were here?”

I bristle at the question, my back stiffening. “No! And even if I did, Selene would never rat us out. She’s not a snitch.”

His expression softens, but his tone remains steady. “Baby, I know she wouldn’t—not intentionally. But she doesn’t know me, and she looked worried when I dragged you out of Crescent Hall. He could’ve played on her emotions, maybe got her to share your location without realizing what she was doing. You two track each other when you go out, right?”

I exhale sharply, knowing he’s right. Selene and I have always tracked each other for safety. “Damn it.” My voice cracks as guilt seeps in.

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