Page 100 of Hold the Line

A nightmare unfolded in my mind. Deacon reaching out to Richie, getting involved with him. Richie latching onto him like a lifeline and dragging them both down.

Both of them dead or in prison.

Either way, I’d lose Deacon.

“You can’t help him,” I rushed out urgently.

He reached across the table, gripping my hand. “No, I can’t. I won’t. But I need to be smart about this. If he comes after me, I have to have a plan.”

I swallowed back panic and fear, focusing on actions we could take to end this. “My parents have lawyers. I think we should talk to one before even considering the police. Chris’s dad should know too, but the lawyer comes first.”

He nodded, jaw tight. “I don’t want to bring your parents into this. It kills me even thinking about it, but it’s better they know. Things like this fester when they’re in the shadows. If there’s light shining, it’ll be harder for Richie to get to me.” His eyes darkened. “Or you.”

“I think you’re right.”

Pushing back from my chair, I moved to him. He scooted back from the table, looking up at me with worry-rimmed eyes. Dark bruises from lack of sleep surrounded them, breaking my heart.

I settled into his lap, straddling his legs, my hands resting on his shoulders as his arms wrapped around my waist.

Pressing my cheek to his, I whispered, “I love you so much, Deacon. So, so much. And I’m sorry this is happening.”

Without a word, he buried his face in my throat and held me as close as he could. Guilt stirred my gut. I shouldn’t have doubted him. He’d proven to me again and again he wasn’t a liar, and he was all in with me.

“I know you saw me leaving last night,” he murmured. “I can tell when you’re not sleeping, angel.”

I squeezed my eyes closed and nodded. “I wanted you to tell me.”

His hand traced soothing circles on my back, comforting me when I wasn’t sure I deserved it. “You thought I was sneaking out to be with another woman?”

Shame burned my throat. “I hate that it crossed my mind.”

“You believe me now?”

“Of course.” I pulled back to meet his eyes. There was no accusation there, just quiet understanding. The worry had lifted, replaced by something much softer.

“Iknewthat wasn’t what was going on,” I admitted, “but I have this stupid voice in the back of my mind that sometimes won’t leave me alone. It has nothing to do with you. I trust you implicitly. It’s just—”

“Heput that voice there.”

“Yes.” I sighed. “But you keep it quiet.”

“But I keep it quiet?”

“You do.”

He cradled my face in his warm hands, his thumb brushing over my lips. “Love that I do that for you. I hope a situation like this never arises again. If it does, I won’t leave you guessing for hours. We’ll talk and resolve it immediately. Is that good?”

“That’s great, honey.” I kissed his thumb as it passed. “You’ve taken care of me now, so let’s focus on you.”

“Nope.” He drew me close again, touching his lips to my throat. “I’m not done loving on you yet. You spent the last few hours thinking the worst, so let me hold you for a while.” His voice was low, steady. “We’ve got some time this morning. There’s no need to rush through this part.”

“Okay.” I relaxed in his arms, letting him give me all he wanted to.

His breathing stuttered as he resumed stroking my back. “To tell the truth, I needed this just as much. Maybe more.”

It was impossible he needed me more, but I’d let him believe it if he kept holding me just like this.

Chapter Forty-two

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