Page 117 of I'll Keep Her Safe

“Yeah.” I look back at my ex, straightening my spine. “I hope you find a way to be happy, Kurt.”

His eyes narrow, and he stands suddenly, as if getting a second wind. “Fuck off. Both of you.”

Wyatt takes a menacing step in his direction, the veins in his forearms popping as he tightens his hands into fists. “That footage is the least of your problems.”

Kurt lifts his chin, but says nothing. I sigh, shaking my head. He’ll never change.

“I mean it, Kurt.” Wyatt’s voice is low, vibrating with threat. “If you ever bother Poppy again, I’ll kill you with my bare hands. Understand?”

Kurt lifts his chin higher, despite his defeat. Wyatt glares at him hard, unmoving, and Kurt relents with a tiny nod.

And with that, we leave his office.

The minute we’re alone in the elevator, Wyatt turns to me with a broad grin. “You were fucking awesome, baby.”

“I can’t believe I did that,” I breathe, my heartbeat finally slowing. I didn’t realize how much it had been battering my ribcage. “I stood up to Kurt, and it worked.”

“I’ve never been prouder of you than I am at this moment,” Wyatt says, tugging me into his arms. Warmth spills through my chest.

“And the money…” I slide my arms around Wyatt’s neck, rising on my toes to kiss him. “I didn’t even think to ask for that. That was brilliant.” Wyatt beams in response. “Now I can pay you back.”

His brow knits. “For what?”

“All the rent I owe you, the kitchen… God, I know it won’t cover all of that, but it’s a start.”

“Poppy.” Wyatt’s lips quirk in amusement. “I’m not taking your money, sweetheart. Forget it.”

“But—”

“You know what I think would be a great use of that money? Buying yourself a delivery van.”

I nibble my lip. Ireallyneed a delivery van, but…

Wyatt gives me a stern look. “Don’t tell me I should give the money back to Kurt…”

A laugh shakes out of me. “Okay, okay. Are you sure?”

The elevator doors ding open, presenting us to the bustling ground floor of the building, but Wyatt doesn’t move. “I’m sure, baby. That’s the perfect way to spend it.” Then he kisses me passionately, for everyone to see.

I’m giggling as we finally step from the elevator, Wyatt’s arm snug around my waist. I float across the lobby, high from the feeling of finally confronting Kurt, finally breaking free from him. If the footage isn’t enough to scare him, I know Wyatt is. Kurt puts on a brave face, but I know him better than that. I know he was shitting himself when Wyatt threatened him, and I know he won’t try anything more.

And if he does… Wyatt will keep me safe. With him by my side, I’m powerful, because he’s helped me find my inner strength. And that’s everything.

But as we ride home on the back of Wyatt’s motorcycle, my victory feels bittersweet. It’s a weight off my back, for sure, but it’s not the same if I can’t share it with Bailey.

I sigh, watching Manhattan slip past as we cruise along FDR Drive, missing my friend more than ever.

39

Poppy

Iroll over and reach across the bed, searching for Wyatt in the sheets. He’s gone, and his side of the bed is cold. With a yawn, I sit up, blinking in the golden morning light. He’s probably over at the new house again, as he has been every night after work for the past few weeks, doing I don’t know what. He won’t let me into the house itself, only the kitchen in the basement, but I’ve seen construction crews coming and going throughout the day as I work downstairs, and when I asked what was going on, he just gave me this secret little smile and told me to wait.

I’ve been busy enough with work, anyway. It’s an adjustment, in the best possible way, working in such a spacious and well-equipped kitchen. I’m used to timing things carefully to maximize limitations, like the single oven in Wyatt’s house, but with two generous commercial ovens, that’s not a problem.

The real problem’s juggling the extra work now that I’ve started catering for Kyle and Violet’s team as well. The new van is essential in helping me get to all the sites, but having an extra set of hands would be more helpful, even for a few hours a day. I’m not sure if I’m ready to take on that responsibility, but I will be. Soon.

Inhaling the cool morning air, I get out of bed, wrapping my robe around myself, and pad down the stairs. Wyatt’s voice drifts from the kitchen, and when I round the corner, my mouth opens in surprise to see Bailey sitting at the breakfast bar. What’s she doing here?

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