"Oh, Ander," I cry as the memories all come flooding back like a picture wheel in my mind, slowly.
"Eyes closed, baby, I'm not done."
I roll my eyes and giggle. I'm not a fan of this game he's trying to play; I just want direct answers. Not everything is coming back clearly, and I did agree to hear him. So, I'll hold true to my word.
"You and said guy rekindle the flame that never stopped burning. You both fall in love, fast, all over again and even deeper than before. . . Can you see it, baby?
"I'm so sorry, Ander, how could I even forget—"
Before I can finish speaking or open my eyes, Ander's warm, minty mouth is on mine. Gentle but needy. So much need.
I part my lips slightly, inviting him in, and he doesn't miss a beat. His soft tongue swipes, dances, and teases along with my own. He pulls back slightly, not removing his lips from mine, and speaks against my mouth, "I was so worried about you, Rosie." I feel the heat spread on my cheeks. Our foreheads rest against one another.
I run my hand through his hair and speak with a slight smile, "I'm here, babe. You can't get rid of me that easily."
He pulls back and stares me down with a grimace.
"What, too soon?" I chuckle, and he rolls his eyes and laughs at me smugly. He cups my face between his hands and kisses my forehead.
"Are the memories still coming back?" he asks, softly pressing me to get back to thinking and remembering. Part of me doesn't want to remember. I want to relish this moment—here, with him.
Every moment with him feels so genuine and pure—every single one is something to be cherished. He pulls back, granting me a little space to continue thinking and sorting through my thoughts.
Our blind date at Crave's. Playing Pool at Open Tap. Leaving. Sex. It's really good sex. My family's beach house is his house now. More incredible sex. A lot of mind-blowing sex. His family. Aw, I missed them. My fucking head hurts like hell. Quitting my job. I got back into photography. I quit my job. Oh my god, I quit my fucking job. I fell in love again, not that I ever fell out of love with this man. Izzy. Her text. Valentine's Day. Our date. The dress. Our drive to my and Izzy's house to check on Izzy. Opening the door to see. . . Panic sets in.
"He's out! Liam was released!… He knows!" I shout, pulling at the collar of his t-shirt and then pulling for the IV, attempting to rip it out and rip all these fucking wires off of me.
"We aren't safe."
I gulp, my voice barely a whisper, my body trembling uncontrollably with fear as the memories of my brother's vicious assault and hate-laced words come flooding in like daggers. Causing more pain to my heart and mind than my body could ever be possible of feeling.
"I know, baby, I know he is."
The tears are flowing on their own accord, and Ander is there to wipe each one.
"You have to leave, Ander. He's going to—" I choke.
"He's going to die, V," Ander says firmly, in a matter-of-fact tone. His voice grows grave, almost threatening if I didn't know better.
"You don't have to protect him anymore, baby. He is going to pay this time. I'll make sure of it. No matter what. He's gotten away with hurting you for long enough. Not anymore. As far as I'm concerned, he doesn't touch you and get away with it. The fucker doesn't deserve to live!"
"Ander—"
"No. There's no argument. I've sat back long enough and let this fucker hurt you. I hate myself for it. I can't believe I didn'tprotect you better than this." He runs a hand through my hair as he stares down at me with a promise in his eyes. "I'm going to fucking kill him, V."
Just then, there's a knock on the door.
Ugh.
A short, heavyset man who must be in his mid to late forties, wearing a navy blue dress shirt and black slacks, walks in alongside Dr. Abayon.
"Ms. Foley?" the man asks.
"Yeah," I respond dryly, eyes locked on Ander, whose gaze won't leave the man walking into the room. The man looks to Ander, and they exchange a knowing nod.
What the fuck.
"Hi, Ms. Foley. My name is Detective Blackwell, and I'm the lead detective working on your case. I want to talk with you and ask a few questions. Are you up to it?"
