Page 66 of Ruthless Beast

“Okay. I’ll try.”

“I’ll help,” he says before kissing me passionately.

* * *

“It’s time, Lucas,” I say one evening after dinner.

“Time?”

“I’ve done everything you’ve asked of me. I’m careful when I go outside; I haven’t spoken to anyone who knows me, and I haven’t tried toescapeyour protection. But there’s one thing I want to do.”

“I have a feeling I know what you’re going to say.”

“Please, Lucas. I want to make contact with Dannie. I’ll be careful, I promise. She’s my best friend. She’ll never do anything to put my life in danger.”

Lucas stares into space as if he’s trying to decide whether to grant my request or not.

“Okay,” he says after a long silence. “But, please, Emily, don’t tell her where you are. It’s for your safety as well as hers.”

“I’ll be careful.”

“Use the burner phone I gave you so the call can’t be traced. You never know who’s listening.”

“I will.”

“I love you, Emily.”

His words catch me by surprise. Not because I don’t feel the same, but because they don’t gel with his tough guy persona.

“I love you, too, Lucas.”

* * *

“Emily! I don’t believe it…where…where the fuck have you been? I’ve been out of my mind with worry! I thought you were dead!”

“I’m so sorry, Dannie. I wanted to call you but…”

“Where the hell are you? Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m with a friend.”

“Bullshit! I know all your friends, and none of them have the faintest idea where you are. What friend?”

“I can’t tell you, Dannie. I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. Are you alright?”

I can hear Dannie’s crying. My heart breaks for her.

“Please don’t cry, Dannie. I’m so sorry.”

“I’m so relieved, Ems. I thought you were dead.”

“I would have been if my friend hadn’t interceded.”

“This must be some friend. Does the friend know who killed David?”

“Not yet, but we’re working on it.”

“Can I see you?”

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