Inferno (A Hotter Than Hell Novel Book 7) by Holly S. Roberts

Author:Holly S. Roberts [Roberts, Holly S.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-09-17T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter Twenty-Three

Moon

Madison is waiting in our room when I’m finished with a few security details. I was extremely proud of how she handled herself in the earlier meeting. It doesn’t mean I’m not worried about what she’s been through. Her turnaround has been too quick. It’s possible she’ll take a step backward and hide in the dark again. If I dare mention that she’s delicate, I’ll be sleeping with Two Dogs for the foreseeable future.

She’s sitting on the bed staring at her toes and when she sees me, a small smile quirks her lips. “You’ve been very patient with me.”

“I love you,” I say simply and take her hand.

She looks away, which bothers me. “I need to tell you everything that happened,” she whispers so low I almost don’t make out the words. “I know I shouldn’t be ashamed. My rational brain tells me this, but the irrational part is having trouble.”

“Tell me when you’re ready, baby. I’ll be here.” I circle one arm around her back and she rests her head on my shoulder. “I just want it done and over with and I know that doesn’t make sense. Talking about it won’t make me forget.” She lifts her head and leans away so our eyes meet. “I love you and you need to know what happened,” she lifts her hand and places it over her heart, “is eating me alive. It’s like cement blocks on my chest making it hard to breathe. If only one is removed maybe I can breathe easier.” She puts her hands in her lap and stares down. “It might not. I just need to try,” she whispers.

“Start at the beginning,” I encourage gently. “I know you got in that car to save Cori. It doesn’t mean I’m happy about it, but I love you for who you are, and that woman would never let a friend suffer without trying to help.”

A small whoosh of air escapes her lungs. “They didn’t give me time to think or plan. It was come now or she dies. So stupid really, and that’s one part that’s bothering me.” She glances up. “My getting in that car didn’t help Cori.” I see the regret in her expression.

So not true, and I tell her so, though it kills me a little inside because I always want her safe. “Cori’s alive because of you. Fernandez would have made good on his threat. If you’d have called me, you never would have gotten out of that building and into Fernandez’s car and Cori would have died. I can honestly say I would protect you over Cori.”

She doesn’t blink and her anguish is real. “Cori thinks death would be better.”

“She might feel that way now, but give her time. Cori will always have a home with us.”

“She’s not a goat,” she chastises with another slight grin. “She needs her own life.”

“She’s a smart, stubborn, and beautiful woman like my wife. And if my wife becomes more active in my organization, she will need someone to run her successful escort business.

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