Page 9 of Faith
She returned her focus to the TV, unaware of the effect she had on him. Gage and Franklin jumped up next to her, makingthemselves comfortable with their new human. She absently rubbed both their heads at the same time.
A million questions ran through his mind as she laughed at the antics of the group of friends on the show.
Where was she all this time?
Who had her?
How did she get away?
Were they going to come after her?
What would he do if someone did?
Zeke knew the answer to the last one without thinking about it. He would kill anyone who tried to hurt Nina ever again. She was back. She was home. She was safe. And he’d never let her walk away again.
The show ended, and Zeke went back to the kitchen to check on dinner. It was almost done, so he grabbed a bag of frozen vegetables and tossed it into the microwave. He turned back to the living room and his breath stopped at the picture before him.
Nina on his couch, laughing at the TV, his cats curled up with her like she belonged to them.
Zeke had to look away before he lost it. When she was with Montgomery, he could break down. Until then, he had to keep his shit together. Take care of her, keep her safe.
The microwave beeped, and Zeke retrieved the bag of broccoli. He dumped it into a bowl and added butter, salt, and pepper, stirring it up as though it was something special.
He pushed it to the side and opened the oven. The cheese was golden brown. The smell of the food was almost as intoxicating as the woman he made it for.
Zeke couldn’t remember the last time he had mac-and-cheese. Once, after she left, he cooked it, and he threw the whole thing away. It reminded him too much of her, and his guilt and pain were too heavy to let him enjoy the meal.
Since then, he hadn’t considered cooking it. The memories of Nina were too strong, too painful.
He set the dish on his stovetop and closed the oven, letting the sharpness of the cheese and the memories fill him.
She was home.
“Is it done?” she asked from right behind him.
“Yeah,” Zeke said, his voice cracking on the word. He cleared his throat and busied himself with searching for a serving spoon and plates for them. He dished her out a sizable portion, then gave himself an even bigger one.
She didn’t move.
“Is everything okay?” he asked, his gaze going from her plate to her face.
She set her plate down and reached up for him. Her hands pressed against his cheeks softly, tentative like she thought he’d stop her.
He nuzzled against her hands, his greedy body unable to hold back any longer.
“I never thought I’d see you again, but I hoped I would. It kept me going.”
Zeke closed his eyes and swallowed roughly. “I never stopped looking for you.”
“I’m sorry I asked you to let me go that night. That I argued and told you I could take care of myself.”
Zeke shook his head. “All that matters is you’re here now. We’ll get you whatever help you need. Therapy, rehab, anything. I don’t care what it costs or anything. You’re home.”
Nina’s eyes welled up. She nodded. “I’m home. With you.”
Zeke couldn’t take it anymore. He hauled her into his arms, holding her so tight he could feel every inch of her body against his. He struggled to keep his emotions at bay, but let them out when she sniffled against his neck.
Tears fell freely from his eyes, relief and joy blending together. “I missed you so fucking much.”
