Because just like Evelline, he stood to lose everything, and he had no one to turn to but Hod.
Help me find her.
Help me take her back.
Please.
THE HIGHWAY STRETCHEDendlessly ahead, twin ribbons of asphalt cutting through Texas scrubland. She tried to make sense of where they were or where they were heading, but all shecould do was stare blankly through the windshield of Janelle's SUV.
Eventually, she could feel the numbness that had taken her body captive start wearing off, and with it, her shock faded.
Her mind clicked back into gear like an old engine reluctantly turning over...and that was when all the memories came rushing back.
Don’t fucking touch me again.
If you’re still here in the next hour, I’ll have you arrested
But worst of all...
Please... I’m b-begging you.
She remembered herself begging, and Hunter continuing to walk away as if it didn't matter to him that she had thrown away her pride just like he had asked.
She had begged for a chance to explain, but he hadn't even looked back.
Bile rose in her throat. Eve wanted to throw up. She wanted to scream until her voice gave out. But instead, she found herself closing her eyes.
Please, God, please.
Hunter had promised he wouldn't hurt her like this again, but he had.
Help me.
She had needed his help after being attacked. Needed Hunter to make her feel safe. But instead he had thrown her out of his ranch. Matt had just...had just...
Oh God, please.
Eve couldn’t even make herself put it in words. She was hurting so much that all she could do—
Please save me.
—was have her soul cry the words out over and over.
I need You.
Not because the words had turned into a mindless chant—
Please.
But because she remembered it was less than a month ago when her entire world seemed to crash down on her.
Save me.
He alone was there to catch her.
Don’t let this destroy me.
And she believed with all of her heart that He’d catch her again.
