Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 22751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22751 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 114(@200wpm)___ 91(@250wpm)___ 76(@300wpm)
Reporters keep asking questions, but now they’re directed at Officer Niks. While she talks, Juliet takes my hand and leads me out of the space they set up for this in the gym. The guys had to move things around, but it all came together. I'm glad we did it here because I didn't want this at Wynn's home or at the shelter. It felt safer here, and this way, my father can’t taint the other places.
This location also made sense because Juliet's husband owns it. She stood beside me as I spoke, which was a huge comfort. I made sure to mention how kind Juliet and her charity Farrow Haven have been to me. And that since Farrow Haven is a protected place, we did the interview at the gym to avoid reporters showing up and possibly putting other women in danger.
As soon as I turn the corner, Wynn is there and pulling me to him. He cups my face as his eyes search mine, and I feel instant relief.
"You did so good, baby girl," he says, and I smile up at him. I can see how much he loves me even if we haven’t said the words yet.
"Thanks to you," I say, but Wynn is already shaking his head.
"That was all you. I only showed you what you're capable of." Wynn presses his mouth to mine, and I relax further into his warm, hard body. Every inch of him brings me so much peace.
We might never agree on who started this, but I know in my heart that it’s because of him I felt safe enough to step forward and speak. I couldn't stay hidden forever, and I wanted a life of my own. One that would very much include Wynn.
On top of everything, it’s been lingering in the back of my mind that I could possibly be pregnant. Neither Wynn nor I have brought it up, but he's a doctor, and he knows I'm not on birth control.
"You two are so sweet together." Juliet has a giant smile on her face as she watches us.
"It's my girl that's the sweet one,” Wynn tells her, and I laugh.
“Yeah, right.” I pretend to roll my eyes at him, and his arms stiffen.
"Watch it," he warns, and it makes my body heat.
All he has to do is say a few words, and every part of me lights up. I didn't know love could be this way. I’ve never felt cherished, and that's exactly what Wynn makes me feel. Despite his bossy and in-charge nature, it all stems from his desire to care for me.
“What now?” I ask.
The sooner this is done with, the sooner we can go home. But is Wynn’s home now my home too? What will happen after we deal with my father? Will I go back to staying at Farrow Haven and start dating Wynn like normal people do?
“We wait,” Wynn says, sounding more patient than I am, although he’s good at keeping calm. He grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “There’s no place safer than here.”
I nod, knowing he’s right. Especially because we're ready for my father. I think. It's hard to not fear him. He always comes out ahead one way or another, but even cats only have nine lives.
Maverick and Officer Niks join us a few minutes later. “You did really good,” Niks says and gives me a soft smile.
“Thanks,” I tell her, feeling a bit shy about all the praise and attention. I’m sure some of my shyness is because of how I grew up, but I find I only crave Wynn’s attention. Even now, all I want to do is go back to his house and lock the doors.
“I wanted to give you a heads-up that word got to your father shortly before the press conference started. Just so you’re aware.” Officer Niks shakes her head. “I don’t know how, but he’s already called a few people and he’s pissed off. He wants you apprehended.”
"For what?” I ask. “Did I break any laws?”
“No, and there’s no reason for anyone to arrest you. I mean, he can scream slander, but that's a civil matter. We might not know who leaked the information to your father, but with all of this out there, the precinct is going to walk a very straight line. That tip is the most he's going to be able to get from here on out. The risk is too high to help him."
I peek up at Wynn because he was right in his planning. He was cutting off paths my father could take so that there would only be one left. The path Wynn carefully constructed to lead right to him.
“We really appreciate all of this,” Wynn says and holds his hand out to shake with Officer Niks.
"No thanks needed. I take immense pleasure in bringing down men like Boris Walton.”