Page 60 of Some Saviors Can Break You

It plowed into him with the force of a freight train, going on and on until he thought it was going to last forever.

By the time it finally faded, his arms shook as he kept his elbows locked so he wouldn’t crush Florence.

“Don’t,” she said, reaching up to curl her arms around his neck, pulling him down so his body covered hers.

“I'm too heavy, princess, I’ll hurt you.”

“You won't,” she contradicted, holding him tighter so he couldn’t lever himself back up. “I like feeling your body on top of mine, makes me feel safe.”

Tilting his face sideways he pressed a kiss to her temple. “Youaresafe with me, princess.”

“I know.” She gave a contented sigh as she snuggled closer.

He liked this.

Just lying in bed, holding Florence in his arms.

This was perfect.

Everything with her was perfect.

He’d give her a few more days, a week or two maybe, to get used to the idea that they were together and he wasn't going to let her down, and then he was proposing. It didn't matter to him if they’d known each other a day, a week, a month, or a year, hewas falling in love with her, and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her, so he saw no reason to delay.

The connection between them was strong, it wasn't going anywhere, he couldn’t imagine anything coming between them.

Was he expecting a perfect life without arguments and disagreements?

No.

Eli was too realistic to think that. But he’d watched his parents model how to have a successful marriage, how to deal with problems as soon as they arose so that nothing was left to fester, and that’s what he wanted with Florence.

“I wish we didn't have to get up and get ready for work,” Florence said.

“Me too. Want to play hooky?”

“I wish I could, but Jake and I have to interview Michael Stypes today, get the paperwork on the case wrapped up to send to the DA.”

“I know the guy is a serial killer, but still I can't help but be grateful to him. If he hadn't tried to run you over then we would never have met.” It felt wrong to be grateful to a killer, but how could he not be thankful that Florence had been brought into his life? He’d needed her, and she’d needed him, and fate had thrown them together at the perfect time.

“Can't argue with that. I'm still glad he’s off the streets though, because men like Michael, they never stop killing.”

He didn't have to be a cop to know that.

And knowing that filled him with a cold dread.

Florence had survived a serial killer when she was eight years old, but it didn't look like the man had been able to let her go.

The Coffin Killer had been stalking her for nearly two decades now, it seemed unlikely that he would ever leave her alone. “Did Jake make any progress in finding the man who attacked you?”

“I don’t think so, but we were distracted with the Dumpster Killer. CSU didn't find anything here, he probably wore gloves, he’s been active for decades, he knows what he’s doing, he won't have left any forensics behind.”

“Why aren’t you more worried about this?” He lifted up so he could see her properly.

“I'm a cop, I can take care of myself, and he’s never made physical contact like that before. I think he only came by because he wanted to help, make sure we got the Dumpster Killer off the streets, I guess he didn't like the man trying to kill me.”

“Are you making excuses for him?”

“What?” Florence’s eyes grew wide and disbelieving. “No, of course not. That man tried to kill me, he sexually assaulted me, I'm his only living victim, you don’t think I feel guilty that I survived and all those other girls didn't? I’ve been looking for him ever since I became a cop, I'd give anything to be the one to snap cuffs on him and read him his rights. If you don’t get that, then maybe you should leave.” She tried to shove him off her, but he sat up and drew her into his lap.

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