Page 24 of I'll Keep Her Safe

I’ve never missed Bailey and Dean more than at this moment.

“Actually, I think it’syouwho’s being unreasonable.” Mr. Mathers’s voice is calm and low, which makes it more unsettling than if he was yelling. “You lied about being Poppy’s boyfriend to get inside the house. You stood in my kitchen, lying to my face.”

I suck in a jagged breath. How does he know Kurt lied? He must have called Bailey.

The fear that’s coiled tight in my stomach slowly begins to dissipate as I take in the hard line of Mr. Mathers’s jaw. He’s not buying Kurt’s shit.

I could cry with relief.

“Now I’ll tell you again, since you didn’t seem to hear it when Poppy told you,” Mr. Mathers says in that low voice. “You need to leave.”

Kurt drops my hand, less out of fear of Mr. Mathers and more out of annoyance that he’s being challenged, but as I take in the two men, staring each other down, it’s abundantly clear that Mr. Mathers could take Kurt in a fight. No contest. In fact, seeing the two men side-by-side makes it hard for me to even remember what it was I found physically attractive about Kurt.

“Or what?” Kurt taunts.

Mr. Mathers’s jaw could shatter concrete. “Or I’ll call the police.”

Kurt smirks, apparently not at all bothered by this proposition. “You won’t,” he says coolly, and my mouth opens in shock. I’ve seen him do some dubious shit in my time, but Mr. Mathers isnota guy you talk back to.

I swallow, wondering what Mr. Mathers will say in response. My heart jumps as he grinds his fist into his palm, and any lingering fear I had about Kurt evaporates. Mr. Mathers won’t let me get hurt. I’ve never had a guy stand up for me like this before, and it’s an odd feeling. I’ve had them use me, for their own pleasure and amusement—see exhibit A, Kurt—but never defend and protect me like this. While I’m sure it’s not his intention, my attraction to Mr. Mathers skyrockets exponentially.

But I don’t have time to dwell on that, because Kurt takes a step toward him, making my pulse scatter. Is Kurt really stupid enough to try to fight him?

“You’re right,” Mr. Mathers says, taking me by surprise. “I won’t call the cops, because then I’d have to explain why I’ve broken every bone in your body.” He lunges for Kurt who ducks out the way just in time, backing toward the door.

“Jesus, okay, I’ll go.”

“Don’t show your fucking face here ever again, got it?”

There’s no reply from Kurt as the front door slams shut behind him. I stare at Mr. Mathers in shock, and it’s not until he turns to me, his eyes wide with worry, that I crumple and fold into myself on the sofa, trembling, as tears press at my eyes. I don’t want to fall apart in front of Mr. Mathers, but Kurt was here—he washere—and if Mr. Mathers hadn’t been here too… God, I don’t even want to think about it.

“Shit, Poppy.” Mr. Mathers sinks onto the sofa beside me. He hesitates for a second, then lifts a tattooed arm around my shaking shoulders. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know who he was.”

“It’s— He’s—” I attempt between sobs.

“Shh, I know. I’m so, so sorry.”

Without thinking, I turn into the warmth of his chest and press my face there, letting my tears soak into the soft, worn fabric of his T-shirt. His hand strokes up and down my back as I cry, and a feeling of calm washes over me. A feeling of… I can’t even begin to describe it, but in this moment, I don’t want anyone else holding me.

When I pull myself together, I notice the smell of him, the combination of sweat and deodorant and earth. I inhale a lungful to steady myself, as the shock of what happened with Kurt gives way to embarrassment. What am I thinking, clinging to Mr. Mathers and crying?

I draw away, wiping my hot cheeks, unable to meet his gaze. “I’m sorry,” I mumble, but a finger under my chin tilts my face to his.

“You have nothing to apologize for.” His amber eyes, fierce with concern, search mine. “I should have figured out who he was sooner. Bailey… Bailey explained everything.”

I grimace, turning away. What must he think of me?

“It’s abuse, Poppy,” he says quietly, and I glance at him in surprise. That’s what Bailey has always maintained, too. “You’ve done nothing wrong. He’s a monster.”

His words pierce something in my chest, and I fight the urge to lean back into his arms and bawl again. Here I was worrying Mr. Mathers might buy Kurt’s bullshit, or might think I was foolish to fall for it like most people do, but he doesn’t see it that way. He sees it for what it is.

With a deep inhale, I wipe my face clean and straighten up. Seeing Kurt was a shock, but I won’t let it ruin my day. He’s gone, and I’m safe. Instinctively, I touch the lotus tattoo inside my wrist, reminding myself of my strength.

And, with sudden jubilation, I remember I got a new job! At least that’s one thing off my mind. I twist my hands in my lap, wanting to ask Mr. Mathers for more time before moving out. With this job I have the chance to save enough for a decent deposit, and that could mean getting my own place. That would mean not having to move in with someone I don’t know and trust.

But it would also mean Kurt could find me again, and that thought fills me with dread.

As if reading my mind, Mr. Mathers says, “I don’t want you to move out.”

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