Page 55 of Rafe

“Rafe… are you going to be able to make it here tonight?” Her voice quavered.

“Are the roads bad in town?”

She exhaled. “They’ve got a dusting of snow, probably slick in spots.”

“Maggie? What’s wrong?”

Her throat tightened. “Frederick—” she choked on his name, then steadied herself. “He was here.”

“At your apartment?”

She stared at the rippling water. “He came into the shop earlier. I made him leave. I was alone. Vanna went home sick today, so after I locked up the shop, I slipped out the back delivery door… and there he was, waiting for me.”

A low growl rumbled through the phone. “Did he touch you?”

“No,” Maggie whispered, voice brittle as ice. “But he said he wasn’t leaving Clifton without me.”

“Over my dead body,” Rafe snapped, fury sharpening his tone. “I will fucking put him in the ground.”

Her chest tightened. “I’m scared,” she admitted.

“I know, baby. I know.” His voice softened. “I’ll grab a quick shower and be on my way. Pack a bag, you’re coming home with me. Do not argue.”

“I’m not going to.”

“I’m sorry. Did you say you weren’t going to argue with me?”

“Yes, not this time.” She hugged her knees to her chest. “Are you sure it’s safe enough to drive?”

“I’ve driven these roads my whole life. I can handle a little snow. You just relax. I’ll be there soon.”

Maggie managed to make a small laugh. “I’m in a hot tub of water right now, trying to ease my tension.”

A teasing note entered his voice. “So, you’re talking to me naked?”

She felt heat bloom in her cheeks. “I am.”

“Damn. Do you want me to pick up dinner?”

“That sounds perfect.”

“Burgers?”

“Yes, please.”

“Don’t open the door for anyone else, okay?”

“I won’t.”

“Alright, sweetheart. I’ll see you soon.”

“Okay.” She set the phone on the closed toilet lid. The steam curled around her as she sank back into the water, clutching Rafe’s promise like a lifeline against the dark.

****

Once Rafe hung up, he hurriedly made his way to the bathroom to shower. The urgency in his movements was intense, as if the very air around him buzzed with anticipation. Needless to say, it was going to be the quickest shower on record. He had to get to her as soon as possible.

“Damn you, Hancock. You touch one hair on her head and you’re a dead man,” he muttered under his breath, the words laced with a dangerous promise.

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