Chapter 119
ONE HUNDRED NINETEEN
Cord thrashed at the covers, his heart pounding as he peered through the darkness.
Ellie’s father was there, standing over him, glaring down.
“You know what you are, who you are.” Randolph said. “My daughter deserves better.”
“I know, sir,” Cord said, his throat aching. “You’re right.”
“Then walk away, McClain.”
He should do that. Protect Ellie. He loved her so damn much.
“Cord.” Ellie’s voice. Soft. Strong. Caring. “Cord, I’m here.”
Then soft gentle hands rubbed his shoulder. Shaking him. Then those same loving hands cradled his face.
“Cord, who are you talking to?”
Confusion blurred and so did Ellie’s father’s disapproving scowl and voice.
“I’ve been worried about you.” Ellie’s soft voice invaded the confusion. “It’s all over now.”
He struggled to open his eyes and reached out for her.
A soft kiss caressed his cheek. “I love you, Cord. It’s going to be okay. We found the little girls and they’re safe.”
The pain in his body and heart faded as Ellie’s face finally slipped into focus. Her beautiful eyes that had seen misery and loss and horrible things now. Yet she never backed down.
Her hand softly stroked his cheek and her lips brushed his, then thoughts of what could go wrong drifted away as he held her in his arms.
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