Page 127 of Eternal

“Where?” It’s nearly a whisper.

Declan tucks my hair behind my ear. “What did I tell you when we started this, Teal? What did I want?”

My eyebrows pinch. “For me to remember?”

He nods, watching me with such intensity my heart is racing. “Why did I want you to remember?”

“You wanted to know who hurt me.” It’s a whisper, and Declan confirms with a nod. “What did you do?”

“Nothing yet.”

“That doesn’t sound any better, Declan.”

“I know.” He grazes the backs of my hands with his thumbs. “Do you trust me, Teal?”

“With what?”

“Everything.”

Instinct begs me to say no, but looking into his eyes, I know in my heart I’d be lying. I trust Declan with more than I should.

My body.

My being.

My heart.

I nod. “Yes.”

He stands, pulling me up with him. “I need you to remember something right now. I’d never let anyone hurt you.”

“Why are you saying that?”

Declan grips my hands, watching me as he turns his face to the side to yell over his shoulder. “Maddox, bring him in.”

My heart races as movement comes from the hallway, and the door to my studio opens. It’s beating so hard I might crack a rib. Maddox and Asher step inside, each holding onto the arm of a man, and when they come close enough, and I catch sight of who they have, my heart nearly stops.

Weston Randolph.

My godfather.

35

Take Back The Life He Stole

Teal

I take a stepback, and my bare foot slides against the wet paint on my canvas, but Declan won’t release my hands, so I can’t escape.

“Why is he here?” It’s nearly a whisper as my gaze snaps to Declan. “Why are you doing this?”

Declan steps toward me, cupping my jaw with one hand. “I need you to trust me, Teal. Remember what I said: I willalwaysprotect you. He can’t hurt you anymore. I promise.”

“No…” Words choke in my throat. “He…”

“Tealene, look at me.” Declan grabs the sides of my face and forces my eyes to his. “Do you trust me to protect you?”

My throat feels like needles when I try to swallow. “I—I think so.”

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