Just like that?
Could the universe really be looking out for me that well?
“No, miss. We’re still coming to the scene. Do not leave the closet until an officer finds you. He could still be there. And we don’t know the state of your apartment,” she explains, and it makes sense.
So, I stay put.
I sit in silence, still on the line with the operator, waiting for the cops to save me when the front door creaks open.
I hold my breath as icy tendrils shoot down my spine.
He’s back.
He’s here to finish what he started.
I hear lighter footsteps beeline straight to my bedroom. There’s no hesitation in them. He knows exactly what he wants.
My bedroom door breaks open, and I stifle a whimper, slapping my palm over my mouth.
I shrink back further into my clothes, even as those light steps walk right up to my closet door.
Tears well in my eyes, and one slowly slides down my cheek.
My closet door opens, but I don’t move. I don’t open my eyes. I don’t think. I don’t breathe.
I know he’s here. I know he’s found me. I know this isn’t a fight I’ll win.
But I can’t open my eyes and look at him, knowing the fate that awaits me.
Warm, calloused hands grab me, scooping me from the floor, and more tears drip down my cheeks.
“Shhh, sunshine. It’s okay. It’s just me. I’ve got you,” Roman’s smooth voice consoles me.
I open my eyes to see his brown ones staring right into mine.
“Hero! Oh, my hero! You’ve saved me!” I cry out hysterically.
I bury my head into his shoulder and finally allow myself to break. I sob into his neck. Even knowing that I’m drenching his shirt, I can’t stop. I can’t care in this moment.
Because he’s here.
Roman is here.
To save me.
As he always does.
As he always will.
Chapter 46
Cecilia
Roman holds me to his chest while sitting on my bed. He rocks me in his arms while whispering soothing words until I finally collect myself.
“I’m sorry for being such a mess. I know it could’ve been worse. I was just really scared,” I tell him, my voice rough from the crying.
“No, sunshine. This was a traumatic experience. You have every right to react how you are. I should’ve announced myself when I entered. I’m sorry I didn’t. I’m sorry I didn’t get here sooner.” His grip on me tightens as he says it.
