Page 39 of Angels & Whiskey
“I understand. I’m new in town and just trying to make friends,” I explained.
She turned her head finally and looked at me. “I bet you’re a really nice guy, but I just … can’t.”
“Becausehe’llget mad and hit you again?”
“Please,” she begged, still not making a move to leave.
I stood, my chest rubbing on her arm as I stepped closer to her. I could smell the slight scent of warm vanilla sugar and I swallowed before speaking. “I can’t get you out of my head, Autumn. You have no idea what that means to me. And the fact that your husband hits you … I want to save you,” I whispered in her ear.
I meant to say help instead of save, but my tongue slipped. I wasn’t sure why I said save. Maybe because of my background … or maybe because I saw Autumn like an angel just like Alyssa was to me.
“I have to go. He’ll know I talked to you.” She took a step forward, but I grabbed her wrist again.
“He has people watching you?” I whispered as I looked around the room.
She nodded.
“Paul and I can help protect you.” I dropped her wrist, not wanting to scare her more.
“My husband’s a powerful man in this city.”
“I don’t give a shit,” I huffed.
“I have to go.”
Before I could grab her wrist again, she walked quickly out the door.
