Chapter 23 #2
With that, I walk back inside and slam the door, shutting him out for good. When I turn around, Mila is still sitting on the couch, silent and trembling, the ice pack now against her neck. Her shoulders slump forward, her gaze fixed on the carpet, as if she’s collapsing in on herself.
I’m by her side within seconds, gently placing my hand over hers on her knee.
She slowly looks at me with red, glassy eyes, and it’s then she finally breaks.
The sound of her crying, tangled with hoarse, ragged coughs, cracks something deep inside me.
I’m consumed by the urge to go back out there and beat the crap out of Dean all over again.
I carefully lift her onto my lap, cradling her as she falls apart in my arms. “I’m here now, baby,” I whisper soothingly to her. “He’s not going to hurt you anymore. No one’s going to hurt you anymore. I promise.”
She feels light as a feather in my arms, but the weight of what she’s endured at the hands of her abusive boyfriend press down on me like iron plates.
I thank God I trusted my intuition. I knew from the start that something was off about Dean. The possessiveness, the jealousy, the arrogance. Beneath his perfectly groomed exterior, there’s something far darker and more deeply disturbed about him.
I can’t even begin to imagine what else might’ve happened if I hadn’t shown up tonight. No doubt that bastard probably would’ve sent her to the emergency room. Just the thought makes me tighten my hold on Mila.
I gently trace my fingers along her arm, offering her something—anything—besides the pain Dean left behind. And it seems to be working because, little by little, I feel her body begin to relax.
“Mila, sweetheart,” I whisper softly. “I know you might not be up for it, but I think we should go to the police and report Dean.”
Her head snaps up, and she shifts a little until she’s seated sideways across my lap, facing me.
“No, Jason. I can’t,” she rushes out, her voice raspy and strained.
“I don’t want to worry my family, especially Skylar.
She’s already dealing with enough of her own issues.
This will only make things worse for her.
Please, Jason. Promise me you won’t say anything.
” Her body slightly shakes, and her teary eyes plead with me.
“We don’t have to tell them just yet, but I do have to take you to the hospital, and when the medical staff sees you, you’re going to have to explain to them what happened.
They won’t force you to involve the police, but I think it’s worth considering a restraining order,” I explain to her as gently as possible.
“You won’t have to do it alone. I’ll be there every step of the way. ”
She falls quiet for a moment, as though she’s weighing whether it’s worth all the effort and stress. Then, slowly, she nods.
I take her hand in mine, giving it a gentle squeeze and offering a soft, reassuring smile. “And there’s just one more thing I need you to do.”
She looks at me, curious. “What is it?”
“I need you to stay with me for a while,” I say softly as I brush the hair from her eyes.
“At least until I’m sure Dean won’t be coming back again.”
She hesitates, her gaze nervously darting around the room as she considers my proposal. When she still doesn’t respond, I decide to try a different approach.
“I just want to make sure you’re safe, that’s all. I’ll come by every day to check on the apartment if I have to. But I can’t leave you here alone, Mila. Not if I can’t get to you fast enough if something happens.”
After a minute of thinking it over, Mila finally nods. “What are you going to tell Jake when he sees me there every day?” she asks sheepishly.
“Don’t worry about that. He’ll be fine. He’ll probably be excited.” I chuckle softly.
“Okay then. Thank you.”
I let out a sigh of relief. “Here, I’ll help you pack your things.”
She gives a small, tired nod, and I lift her into my arms, careful not to jostle her.
Carrying her to the bedroom, I set her gently at the edge of the bed. She instructs me on what items to pack, and I move through her wardrobe, drawers, and ensuite with deliberate care, making sure I have everything she needs.
Twenty minutes later, her things are neatly packed, her backpack draped over my shoulders, and her luggage zipped and ready to roll out. Holding my free hand out for her, she pauses, staring at it for a brief moment before gazing up at me.
“Thank you, Jason, for coming over to check on me. I’ll never forget the moment you
saved me. For as long as I live.” Her swollen lips strain to form a smile, but she manages it, and even in her condition, it’s as beautiful as ever.
I nod and offer her a warm, heartfelt smile, knowing no further words are needed. She already knows that I’ll do anything for her. Tonight was only the beginning. I help her to her feet, keeping my hand firmly in hers as I guide her carefully out of the apartment and into my car.
Seeing Mila tonight, bruised and broken up, was the hardest thing I’ve ever had to witness. It was a sight I will never forget and never want to see ever again.
If Dean knows what’s good for him, he’ll take my warning seriously and stay as far away from her as possible. Because if he even tries to worm his way back into her life, I’ll be coming for him. And this time, I won’t be holding back.