Page 91 of Possess

“I know you would be.” He wasn’t about to leave, not tonight. “I need to be here for my own piece of mind. To make sure she’s okay.”

“I get it.” Dani stood up. “I’ll get you a pillow and blanket.” Dani walked out of the room and returned a few minutes later. “The bedrooms share a bathroom, and there’s another bathroom on the other side of the kitchen.”

“Thank you.” He took the bed things from her. “I’ll take care of those,” he said as she reached for the bottles and glasses. “Go get some rest, Dani. If you need me, I’m here.”

Dani nodded and walked into her bedroom, closing the door after her. Zeke set the blanket and pillow on the sofa before he picked up the bottles and glasses and took them into the kitchen.

He quietly washed up the two glasses before he went back into the living room. Zeke picked up his phone. It was barely eight, yet it felt like midnight. He checked his emails and answered a text from Gabriel.

A noise came from the room Allyson was in. Setting his phone down, Zeke crept to the room where Allyson slept. A whimper reached his ears.

He pushed the door open slowly. Dani had left a small lamp on. Allyson whimpered again as she twisted on the bed. Zeke crept closer. He didn’t want to scare her, but he wanted her to know she wasn’t alone, and she was safe.

“Allyson, sweetheart,” he whispered.

“No, please. I said no.” Her voice was soft as she fought with the covers.

His gut clenched. What had that bastard done before he got there? Zeke stopped next to the bed.

“Zeke, I’m sorry. Come find me, please.” The pleading note in her voice broke him. He sat and ran his fingers over her cheek.

“I’m here, sweetheart. You’re safe.”

“Zeke?” Her eyes were closed, but she stopped thrashing.

He didn’t hesitate. He kicked off his shoes and positioned himself so he could pull Allyson into his arms. “Yes, sweetheart. I’m here; you’re safe.”

She trembled in his hold. “Oh, Zeke, I’m so sorry. I messed up.”

“Shhhhh.” He ran his palm over her hair in a soothing motion. “We’ll talk later. Just rest. I’ll keep you safe. No one will hurt you.”

Her breathing evened out, and her body relaxed against his. Zeke shifted into a more comfortable position on the small bed. Allyson needed him. He’d sleep on a bed of nails for her.

Not that he planned on sleeping. He had a lot of things to think about. One was how to get past Allyson’s childhood issues and why she felt she had no self-worth. If she couldn’t get past that, there might not be a future for them at all.

Chapter 11

Allyson shifted. She didn’t want to wake up. Memories flooded her, and she cringed inwardly at what might have happened. She was afraid to find out where she was—or wasn’t. Wait a second… Memories of Zeke telling her she was safe filtered in. Gathering her courage, she opened her eyes.

She was lying on a male chest. Tension filled her. Allyson tilted her head, and all the tension left her body when she saw Zeke’s face, both grateful she was safe and scared to death that she’d screwed up the one good thing in her life.

“Good morning.” Zeke’s voice was rough.

“Ah, good morning.” His eyes were soft from slumber and his face relaxed. That was a good sign, right?

The bedroom door creaked open. “I heard voices,” Dani’s cheery voice made Allyson smile.

“We’re awake,” Zeke said.

“Good. I’ve got coffee brewing.”

“Thanks, Dani,” Zeke said as he gazed down at Allyson.

“We’re at Dani’s place?”

“Yes.” He sat up, and she maneuvered away from his warm body. Instantly, she missed his arms around her. “What time it is?”

“Eight-thirty,” Dani said, poking her head back in the room. “Zeke, your phone is vibrating off the table.”

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