Redemption (The Protectors 8)

What he’d made me feel.

Never in a million years had I expected someone like him to bring me any kind of pleasure, let alone what he’d actually done. And when he’d talked about me being inside of him…

Even now, my body reacted to the thought.

“Just a bad dream,” I murmured, knowing the answer wouldn’t be enough for him. I forced myself to sit up and glanced at the clock. It was just after six in the morning.

“A bad dream didn’t bring you to my door last night,” Phoenix said as he brushed my temple with his fingers. “It didn’t put those bruises on your face, either.”

God, I didn’t want to lie to him.

“Some boxes fell off a pallet at work…they sent me home early.”

Phoenix pulled me against him so that his forehead was pressed to my temple. “I wish you would trust me,” he whispered. “I can help you.”

I choked back a sob and closed my eyes. God, he felt so good…so warm. What I wouldn’t give to wake up in his arms every day.

“I promise I’ll tell you everything soon,” I finally said as I pulled away. “But I need to take care of some things first.”

He pressed a kiss against my skin. “I’m holding you to that,” he said.

I nodded.

I would tell him. But it would be from the other side of a sheet of plexiglass and through a phone. Because T had sealed the deal for me.

I couldn’t fight anymore.

I’d get Henry situated and pray that the State found him a good situation, assuming they took him from Dina at all. Then I’d do what I should have done seven years ago. I’d walk through the nearest police station’s doors and tell them about T and his threat against Betty. Then I’d tell them about Seth and his family.

I didn’t care where they sent me this time, because I wouldn’t survive it. It was the coward’s way out, but I’d find a way to end my life once I was back behind bars.

“I should go,” I said. “I need to get my father’s car back before he realizes I took it,” I said. “And Dina will be leaving for work in a couple of hours.”

“I’ll come with you,” Phoenix said. “You can bring Henry back here and we can spend the day together.”

I began to shake my head, but I was surprised when Phoenix murmured, “Please, Levi.” I turned to look at him and finally noticed his features etched with tension.

“What happened?” I asked as I turned to face him.

“Amani’s doctors did another brain scan yesterday. They check it every few months to see if there’s been any change.”

“Is…is everything okay?” I asked, my heart in my throat.

“There’s been no change,” he said softly. “None whatsoever.”

I understood what he was telling me. While some might take that as good news, he wasn’t looking at it the same way. I knew he didn’t want to lose his child, but I couldn’t even fathom the torture he went through every time he saw her, knowing she was just beyond his reach…would likely always be.

“I’m sorry,” I said as I put my arms around him and hugged him.

“I…I was hoping you might come meet her today and then we could take Henry to the park or something.”

I nodded, though I knew it was a terrible idea. Every second I spent with him, the harder it would be to give him up. “Henry and I would love that,” I said.

He nodded and then he kissed me.

I watched him get out of bed and head towards the bathroom. He hadn’t gotten dressed again after our shower so his perfect body was on full display for me. My eyes fell to his ass and I once again wondered if he’d meant what he’d said about me fucking him. It just didn’t seem possible.

“You coming?” Phoenix asked once he reached the doorway. From the smirk on his mouth, I knew he’d caught me ogling his ass.

I forced myself out of bed and tried not to stress over how scrawny and pale I looked compared to him. The man could literally have any guy he wanted…

Once I reached him, I went to move past him and into the bathroom, but his arm came out to prevent me from moving forward and then his other arm came up to cage me in against the door frame. If he’d been anyone but him, I would have been scared. But all I was was incredibly turned on. Especially when his dick brushed against mine.

“You see something you like?” he asked as a playful smile spread across his beautiful lips.

I knew I was probably blushing to the roots of my hair, but I nodded anyway.

“Maybe you should take a closer look…get a feel for the goods,” he said.

I smiled at that, mainly because he was having so much fun with the play on words. The night before had been so intense and heavy, but this…this was different. But no less intriguing.