As I rolled down the window, Lucio’s face came into view. “Cousin.”
He grinned. “Is everything in place?
“Yup. Just like we planned.”
“Did you scout the area?”
“Thrice. Is that a word?”
I shook my head. “Yes, dumbass. That’s a word.”
“Then why are you calling me a dumbass?”
“You’re a dumbass for not knowing it’s a fucking word.”
He tapped his hand on the roof of my car. “Ready when you are.”
I turned to face Doe. “Stay in the car until I open the door for you.”
“Okay.” Nervously, she fisted her hands together.
“Is there something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong. I just thought…”
“What? You thought what?”
She sucked her bottom lip into her mouth. “I just didn’t think—”
“That I would let you go out into the world? You’re not a prisoner, Doe. This”—I gestured between us as if she could see me—“this thing between us is nothing like what you had with Vadik, or any of the other sick fucks that hurt you.” I took her chin between my fingers and pulled her face up toward mine. “Believe me, this isn’t easy for me. If I had my way, I’d have you locked in a padded room until I’ve managed to put a bullet in Vadik’s skull. But,” I gently pressed my lips against hers, “I know you need this more than I need you behind a locked door.”
I stared at her for a few seconds longer before she finally gave me a slight nod. My broken girl needed to fly; she just needed her wings. And tonight was the first step toward her getting those goddamn wings.
I got out, scanned the area to see if Lucio and his men were all in place, then rounded my Audi to open her door. She turned her face toward me, and even though I couldn’t see her eyes, I knew if I had to stare into her dark irises, I would see the fear and uncertainty she was feeling. It was always there, in her eyes, everything she felt.
“It’s okay,” I assured her then reached out to take her hand. “I won’t let you go.”
Her hand trembled in mine, and the uncertainty written on her face was heartbreaking to witness. I hated it. But it was time.
She straightened, and behind the blindfold, she was searching for me. The cool autumn breeze wafted through her dark hair, the chill in the air causing her to shudder. If I had my way, it would have been the perfect summer night, but the seasons were changing almost as fast as the man inside me. With every passing day, I could feel my heart, my soul, and everything in between evolving. I was turning into the man Doe needed me to be, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
I placed my hand on her cheek. “I got you. I won’t ever let go.”
She leaned into my touch, closing her eyes. It was heartwarming to know that a woman who had been through what she had welcomed my touch.
I glanced over her shoulder, and Lucio gave me the all-clear with a single nod. Every security measure had been put in place in order for this to go down. There was a nervous tug inside my stomach just thinking about the risk we were taking, but it had to be done.
Gently, I folded my fingers between hers, holding her hand tight in mine. Looking down at her feet, I smiled. “Ready?”
She sucked in a breath and nodded.
“Walk with me.” She slowly put one foot in front of the other while I guided her. The way she clutched my hand told me how nervous she was. “Just a few more steps. We’re almost there.”
Her heart-shaped lips were slightly parted, and I could see she was trying her best to just breathe. Maybe the blindfold wasn’t necessary, but I wanted her to experience it before she saw it.
“Stop.” I tightened my hold on her hand.
She stilled and leaned her head to the side. “That sound.” She paused. Listening. “It sounds familiar, but I can’t…I can’t place it.”