Page 67 of Saving Saul

Her words sting like salt in an open wound. She's right; we don't snitch. But how can I explain Saul's world to her—its dangers and strange allure—without dragging her into the deep end with me? How can I make her understand why my soul is tethered to his despite the chaos that follows?

I hesitate, my hands gripping the counter’s edge as I weigh my options. “Saul’s past... it’s complicated. He’s not bad, but he’s made choices to protect the people he loves. And now, we’re in a situation where we need to lie low for a while.”

Her arms drop, her expression shifting from anger to disbelief. “Lie low? Tessa, do you hear yourself? You’re talking about hiding out like fugitives. For what? For some guy?”

“He’s not just some guy,” I snap, my voice rising before I stop myself. “He’s... everything. He’s done nothing but protect me since the day we met, Selene. You don’t have to understand, but I need you to trust me.”

Her eyes search mine, her expression wavering between worry and reluctant acceptance. “And what happens if this blows up in your face? What happens then?”

“It won’t,” I say firmly, but the tremor in my voice betrays me.

Selene sighs, her shoulders sagging slightly. “I don’t like this, Tessa. But if you’re sure... I’ll back you. Just don’t make me regret it.”

“You won’t,” I say, hoping it’s true.

As she finally nods, the tension in the room shifts. It’s not gone entirely but feels like the smallest step forward.

I guide Selene to the plush couch, her familiar floral scent swirling in the air as she moves. My hands are trembling, butI steady them on her shoulders and gently urge her to sit. Her presence has always been a mix of comfort and challenge, and right now, I need both.

"Selene," I begin, my voice barely above a whisper, "there's a lot I can't tell you—things that could put you in harm's way." My eyes meet hers, silently pleading for her understanding.

She sits, crossing her arms, her face a picture of calm determination. "What is it, Tessa?" Her tone is that no-nonsense nurse voice I know so well, soothing but unyielding, demanding honesty.

I take a breath, the words thick in my throat. "First off... Saul, he’s not just some guy." The admission feels like peeling back a protective layer, exposing too much. "He made a choice—a crazy, reckless choice—all to protect his family. His sister, his grandmother.”

Selene’s expression softens, her fierce love for me written in the furrow of her brow. "And you?" she asks, her voice gentle but probing.

"Me too, Selene," I admit, the truth heavier than anticipated. "He did it for me too." I drop onto the couch beside her, wringing my hands. "We're planning to go to Ghana for a while. Get away from all this mess. You could come with us."

Her brow arches, her disbelief evident. "Lord, Tessa." She exhales, rubbing her temples like she’s trying to massage away the chaos I’ve just handed her. "Ghana? And what about your catering business? You built it from scratch, and it’s thriving."

Because Saul opened doors for me, damn, I love him.

"I’ll pause it," I say, my voice quieter now. "Just for a bit. And..." I hesitate, glancing down at the pearls looped around my neck, their weight steadying me. Saul looped them around my neck before I stepped outside. I’d almost left them.

I look down at my hands and lace them together. "He proposed again. But I didn’t get to answer because the cops pounded on his door at that exact moment."

Selene’s head snaps up, her sharp gaze locking on to mine.

"Proposed?" Her tone pitches high, incredulous. "Well, at least you were saved by the damn bell. Tessa, you better not say yes to his fine ass that easily again. He’s got to work harder than dicking my baby sister down good for one night to get back in your marriage graces."

"Selene!" I burst into laughter, half scandalized, half relieved at her audacity. It breaks the tension, loosening the tight grip of worry around my chest.

"Don’t ‘Selene’ me." She waves me off, but her expression grows serious again. "If you still think he’s the one, then fine. But I’m telling you, he needs to grovel. And I meangrovel."

"He did, Selene," I insist, the heat of my conviction rising to my cheeks. "You don’t know how much he’s already done."

Her hand wraps around mine, firm and grounding. "I love you more than life, Tessa. You’re the most vibrant, giving person I’ve ever met, and I wouldn’t just hand you over to anyone. But there’s something about him, isn’t there? Something you’re not saying."

My throat tightens, and I nod, my voice catching as I try to explain. "It sounds crazy, but Mama and her ancestors led me back to him. I’ve had dreams, Selene. And these pearls? They heat against my skin whenever I try to walk away from him. From us. It feels... like fate."

"Girl, you and your dreams." She shakes her head, her skepticism clear, but her eyes soften. "Look, if you’re going to Ghana to start this restaurant and pop out his ashy Black babies, you make him earn it every single day. So, when are you supposed to meet him?"

"Two hours," I reply, the weight of the number settling over me like a countdown to forever.

Selene smirks, the sharp edge of her wit returning. "Make it two hours and thirty minutes. Let him sweat a little. That man owes you at least that."

I smile, feeling a spark of rebellious thrill ignite. "Two and a half hours it is."

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