Say You Won't Let Go Google(34)

“Was he taller than I am?”

“I don’t know. He was big enough that I thought it was you.” She pats her eyes with a tissue.

“Okay, I want you to close your eyes,” Wade requests.

I see the panic of her pulse thrumming away on her neck. “We’re right here, Emmy. No one is going to get near you.”

Emily takes a few deep breaths and follows his instruction.

“Think about that night. Focus on your senses. Think about what you felt. Were his hands rough?”

“Yes.” She shivers.

“Did his cheek touch yours? What was it like?”

“He was clean-shaven.”

“Inhale and remember what you smelled. Anything you can tell me?”

Emily continues this way for a few more questions as she gives him more than I thought she ever would. Details that I can see him already starting to piece together.

“You did great, Em. I’m going to have people posted outside the door while I go to work.” Wade’s eyes meet mine, he dips his head, and walks toward the door.

We both stay quiet, the events of the last few days settling around us. Emily shifts to the side and then stands. “I know you hate me, but—”

“I don’t hate you.”

“You should.”

“Because you thought I was going to die so you lied to me?” I get to my feet, and she retreats.

Emily rubs her forehead. “You’ve ignored me for two days. I didn’t think I’d ever see you again.”

She couldn’t be more wrong. “I think me bein’ here says otherwise.”

Trent was right. I had two choices: fight for her or let her go.

“This is all too much, Cooper. It’s too much.”

“It doesn’t have to be.” I move quickly and gather her in my arms, holding her because I need to.

Emily’s arms wrap around my waist as she clings to me. “The idea of him hurting you...”

“Isn’t going to happen.”

She looks up with concern etched on her perfect face. “I don’t think you get it, Coop. When I got the first letter, I thought it was a joke. I didn’t take it seriously, and we both know what happened. I wasn’t willing to risk it a second time.”

I run my finger down her cheek and graze her lips. “He can’t have you. You’re already taken.”

She lets out a soft sigh. “I am?”

“You didn’t think I’d really give up, did you?”

“I hoped you wouldn’t...”

This woman owns my heart, and I’m perfectly fine with never getting it back.

“You don’t have to hope. I’ll fight through whatever obstacles we encounter. I know you thought you were doing what you had to, but I’m not going anywhere.”

Emily’s lip trembles. “If he hurts you, then what?”

I shrug. “I’m not worried about me.”

Her arms drop, and she pulls away. “You didn’t hear him tell you his delusional ideas about me and him. I had to stand there and listen to him talk about killing you.” Emily’s voice drops to a whisper. “He listens. He watches. He’s not going to give up either.”

There’s nothing saying her fear isn’t valid, but I’m not afraid. “Not a chance in hell I’m going to walk away and let some piece of shit torment you.” I grip her wrist. “Do you love me?”

“Yes.”

The single word melts the last two days of frustration.

“Do you trust me?” I ask.

“Yes.”

I push my hands up into her hair and bring our faces together. “Then show me.”

Emily grips my neck and pushes up on her toes. Her lips press against mine. It’s been weeks since I’ve felt her touch, and after everything in the last few days, I need her.

My tongue glides against hers as I thread my fingers through her hair, tightening slightly. She kisses me harder, deeper.

I want to take it all away from her. Make her forget everything else but us. I push her back against the wall, pinning her with my hips. She moans, and I tilt her head to the side to get better access. I move my hand down her throat and across her shoulder. I’ve missed her skin. I’ve missed everything about her.

My lips travel the path that my fingers made, and she sighs.

I love the noises she makes.

I’m so lost in the moment I don’t hear anyone enter the bus or notice anyone’s presence until Emily pulls back and terror fills her eyes. “No!”

Cold metal touches my neck, and I know one of us isn’t going to make it out of here.





Chapter Eighteen


Emily



Cooper doesn’t move a muscle. He shields me as I stare into the eyes of one of Luke’s bodyguards. I’ve seen him a few times, but he’s one of the rovers. I don’t remember his name even though Luke pointed him out a few times.

I look over Cooper’s shoulder. “It’s okay, this is my boyfriend. You can put the gun down. I’m totally fine.”

Instead of lowering the gun pointed at Cooper’s neck, he pushes the barrel deeper.

“Did you hear me?” I ask, shifting a little, but Cooper won’t move his arms.