King’s Protector (Checkmate #2)

Chapter 20

She didn’t make it to Gemma’s.

Instead, she hid in the cupboard. I could feel her eyes through the crack as James pushed me to the floor and kicked me until darkness loomed.

And even then, as the shadows encroached and stars danced in front of me, her icy blues stared at me through the crack in the door. I was glad it was me. I was glad I was the one on the floor with tears streaming down my face, determined not to give him the satisfaction of making a sound.

I was glad that in some sick way she was with me.

I was glad I hadn’t broken that promise yet.

The promise that I’d always protect her.

But as his boot connects one last time, there’s a whisper in my subconscious that soon I’ll break that promise.