Page 28 of His to Save

“Please,” she begs, curling in on herself, using one arm to cover her head and the other over her belly. “Please-please-please.”

Her words devolve to whimpers as I shut the door and then crouch down beside her.

“Hey, Nora, no.” The urge to reach out and comfort her is so strong, I have to fist my hands at my sides. “C’mon, Pip, I’m not going to hurt you. I’d never hurt you.”

I lower myself all the way to the floor, gently reassuring her that she’s safe.

I’m not sure how long we sit like that, but eventually she stops shaking and dares to peek up at me with damp eyes.

“You’re safe,” I tell her, keeping my gaze locked on hers.

“Do you promise?” Her small, scared voice unleashes something deep within me. Something primal that I know won’t rest until it’s gotten its pound of flesh from my father in retribution for the sins he committed against her.

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” I swallow roughly. “Not ever again.”

“What happens now?” she asks, sniffling as she uncurls and pushes herself into a seated position. “Is…is Ellis coming?”

Cocking my head to the side, I study her.Why is she asking about Ellis?

“I thought you were him.” Her voice is soft and a little raspy, sandpaper wrapped in silk.

“Why would you think that?” I spear my fingers through my hair. “I can call him if you want…”

“It doesn’t matter.” She shakes her head. “I’m just really tired.”

Her words settle between us like a weight. She doesn’t just look tired—she looks exhausted. Bone-weary, like she hasn’t slept in ages.

“Then let’s get you out of here so you can sleep.” All I want is to take her back to my place, where I know she’ll be safe.

She flinches, and I instantly know I’ve said the wrong thing.

“I’m not—I can’t—you…” She trips over her words as panic sinks its claws deeper into her, making me feel like the biggest asshole in the world. “You promised.”

“Hey, no.” I raise my hands in front of me. “I meant what I said. All I want to do is help you. I get it, you don’t trust me, I haven’t earned that yet. But mark my words, Nora, I will. I will earn your trust and prove to you that I’m on your side. No matter how long it takes.”

When she doesn’t reply, I haul myself up off the floor, relock the door, and position the chair back in front of it. Then, I lower myself into the chair, claiming it as my spot for the night.

“Wh-what are you doing?” she asks.

“You need sleep,” I say, crossing my ankles as I sink deeper into the chair. “So, I’m going to sit here and keep watch.”

She swipes furiously under her eyes as she uses the dresser to help herself up from the floor. I track her movements, half-expecting her to throw me out, but she doesn’t.

Instead, she climbs onto the small bed and curls into herself on her side facing me. She keeps her eyes on me, distrust heavy in her stare.

“Sleep, Pip. You’re safe.”

“Thank you,” she whispers, her eyes falling shut as sleep takes her.

CHAPTER 9

NORA

“You really thought you could get away from me?” He punctuates each word with a painful slap. “You stupid, worthless bitch.”

“Please,” I beg as tears burn my eyes. “Please just let me go.”

“Never.” His already cruel gaze sharpens as he glances down at my swollen belly. “Now be a good little bitch and take care of me.”

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