Among the Echoes (Wrecked and Ruined #2.5)(51)

"Okay, so how did you end up here? What are you running from now?"

"Leo was relieved from duty because of some of his actions on the day he rescued me—the same actions that saved my life. We both testified against Dom Rodriguez and were immediately moved into the Witness Protection Program. They tried to separate us, but Leo came with me, mainly because, back then, I was terrified of everyone in the entire world except for him.

"Over the years, Wilkes’s brothers have found us three times. The first time, his younger brother walked right up to our door and knocked. Like it was nothing. Leo opened the door and Wilkes shot him in the chest while I sat on the couch completely helpless. He walked in, stepping over Leo, and grabbed me by the hair and dragged me out."

I pause as the memories overwhelm me. I break into a cold sweat and fight to keep myself from throwing up. After a few deep breaths, I manage to continue.

"Of all the things that have happened to me, that might be the scariest moment of my life. I lived through being raped and assaulted once, but as he dragged me down the stairs, I knew I wouldn’t survive it again. I tried to fight back and was mildly successful—until he punched me in the face, sending me into the welcomed darkness."

I peek up at Slate, who hasn’t said anything, but not even a blind man could mistake the rage radiating off his body. His heart is racing and his chest is heaving, and there is an inferno blazing in his eyes.

"I don’t remember anything else, but from what I hear, Leo stopped him. Killing yet another man to protect me."

"Jesus f*cking Christ, Erica," he breathes.

"So yeah, unexpected knocks on doors scare me now," I try to say nonchalantly but fail miserably when the words catch in my throat. I’m physically and emotionally exhausted from the entire day, but I’m especially drained from trying to hold it together during this conversation. I just want it to be over—all of it. "I’m done. That’s all my part. Can you get the other stuff from Leo tomorrow?" I say, closing the door on any further questions.

"I don’t even know what to say right now," he answers. "This isn’t an abusive ex-boyfriend. This is…"

"My life," I finish for him. "It sucks, but there is no escaping it. I live every day looking over my shoulder, waiting for them to find us again. But in the process of running, I found you. Slate, you made me feel safe, and I’m sorry I can’t do the same for you. Just so you know, if you want to walk away from me and all of this now—I won’t hold it against you. It would kill me to watch you leave, but it would destroy me if anything ever happened to you because of me."

"Shut up."

"I’m serious."

"So am I. Shut up." He kisses me, pushing me to my back, once again covering me completely with his body. Our mouths are both closed but it’s by far the most passionate kiss I have ever received. "Tomorrow, we are moving to my apartment in Chicago. I’ll talk with Leo in the morning about the logistics with the program, but I can’t protect you here. From here on out, you don’t lie to me. Okay?"

"Slate, you don’t know what you are getting into. You can’t protect me, period. I have an entire team of agents assigned to me and they still find us. They always find us."

"Erica, you are mine. I have absolutely zero plans of letting you go or allowing you to ever be hurt again. I’m not too na?ve to admit that I’m treading in new waters with this, but you are highly underestimating the extent to which I will go to keep you. This isn’t some passing fling we have here. So stop acting like walking away from you will ever be an option again. That also goes for any ridiculous idea you get about trying to run to protect me." He gives me a pointed look that forces me to bite my lip. "From here on out, we do it all together. Got it?"

"I just—"

"Get your stuff. We are going to my place tonight." He stands up and heads to the door.

"Slate, maybe we need some space tonight. This is a big decision for you. Just being with me puts your entire life in danger."

"There is only one choice. Therefore, there is no decision to be made. Now, do you need some space?" he asks, crossing his thick arms over his chest.

"Maybe."

"Fine. You have an hour." He turns and walks out of my room, closing the door behind him.

"Jesus, he is bossy," I say to myself.

"Nothing new, beautiful!" he shouts from outside the door.





Space. Screw that. Ril—Erica has lost her f*cking mind. After that little get-to-know-you session, neither of us needs space, much less a night alone. Hell, I’ll probably end up with nightmares tonight even with her tucked securely into my side. I don’t actually know if I’ll ever be able to sleep again.

"How bad is it?" I ask as I barge into Leo’s room. He is sitting at the foot of his bed, tossing his phone in his hands. He’s not relaxing or lounging—he was waiting for me.

He immediately stands. Leo is a big guy, but I still tower over him. "Really bad," he says as he walks to the small kitchen.

"Sorry, but I’m going to need more than that," I tell his back.

He pulls two beers from the fridge. "If she stays with you, we are officially being released from the program."