“Can you imagine my surprise when I found out this wasn’t the first time you’ve laid a hand on a woman? You managed to get away with just a slap on the wrist, thanks to daddy dearest. But here’s the thing. I also know that if you were to fuck up again, you’d lose your position at the companyandyour inheritance. And guess what? A little birdie told me you just got yourself a shiny new promotion. Wouldn’t want to risk that, would we?”
His gaze drops to the floor, unable to look me in the eyes.
I let out a low chuckle. “That’s what I thought. So, here’s what you’re going to do.
Listen carefully, because I’m only going to say this once, okay?”
His eyes meet mine, holding it for a moment before he nods slowly.
“You stay the hell away from Mila. You are not to contact her, see her, or even breathe her name. If I find out you were anywhere near her, I will personally hunt you down and destroy your fucking life, piece by piece. Am I clear?” My voice remains steady, but every word drips with pure venom.
His face is a mix of defeat and exhaustion, but he manages a slow nod.
I rise to my feet and look down at the pitiful excuse of a man. “While I go back inside and clean up the mess you started, you’d better pray that Mila’s okay.”
He doesn’t speak another word, only letting out a low, pained groan in response.
“I’ll personally make sure everything you left in that apartment gets sent back to you.
You’re no longer welcome here. Now get going, arsehole.”
With that, I walk back inside and slam the door, shutting him out for good. When I turn around, Mila is still sitting on the couch, silent and trembling, the ice pack now against her neck. Her shoulders slump forward, her gaze fixed on the carpet, as if she’s collapsing in on herself.
I’m by her side within seconds, gently placing my hand over hers on her knee. She slowly looks at me with red, glassy eyes, and it’s then she finally breaks. The sound of her crying, tangled with hoarse, ragged coughs, cracks something deep inside me. I’m consumed by the urge to go back out there and beat the crap out of Dean all over again.
I carefully lift her onto my lap, cradling her as she falls apart in my arms. “I’m here now, baby,” I whisper soothingly to her. “He’s not going to hurt you anymore.No one’sgoing to hurt you anymore. I promise.”
She feels light as a feather in my arms, but the weight of what she’s endured at the hands of her abusive boyfriend press down on me like iron plates.
I thank God I trusted my intuition. I knew from the start that something was off about Dean. The possessiveness, the jealousy, the arrogance. Beneath his perfectly groomed exterior, there’s something far darker and more deeply disturbed about him.
I can’t even begin to imagine what else might’ve happened if I hadn’t shown up tonight. No doubt that bastard probably would’ve sent her to the emergency room. Just the thought makes me tighten my hold on Mila.
I gently trace my fingers along her arm, offering her something—anything—besides the pain Dean left behind. And it seems to be working because, little by little, I feel her body begin to relax.
“Mila, sweetheart,” I whisper softly. “I know you might not be up for it, but I think we should go to the police and report Dean.”
Her head snaps up, and she shifts a little until she’s seated sideways across my lap, facing me. “No, Jason. I can’t,” sherushes out, her voice raspy and strained. “I don’t want to worry my family, especially Skylar. She’s already dealing with enough of her own issues. This will only make things worse for her. Please, Jason. Promise me you won’t say anything.” Her body slightly shakes, and her teary eyes plead with me.
“We don’t have to tell them just yet, but I do have to take you to the hospital, and when the medical staff sees you, you’re going to have to explain to them what happened. They won’t force you to involve the police, but I think it’s worth considering a restraining order,” I explain to her as gently as possible. “You won’t have to do it alone. I’ll be there every step of the way.”
She falls quiet for a moment, as though she’s weighing whether it’s worth all the effort and stress. Then, slowly, she nods.
I take her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze and offering a soft, reassuring smile. “And there’s just one more thing I need you to do.”
She looks at me, curious. “What is it?”
“I need you to stay with me for a while,” I say softly as I brush the hair from her eyes.
“At least until I’m sure Dean won’t be coming back again.”
She hesitates, her gaze nervously darting around the room as she considers my proposal. When she still doesn’t respond, I decide to try a different approach.
“I just want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all. I’ll come by every day to check on the apartment if I have to. But I can’t leave you here alone, Mila. Not if I can’t get to you fast enough if something happens.”
After a minute of thinking it over, Mila finally nods. “What are you going to tell Jake when he sees me there every day?” she asks sheepishly.
“Don’t worry about that. He’ll be fine. He’ll probably be excited.” I chuckle softly.
