Several police officers surrounded the creep together with a few EMS guys. We moved into the yard to get out of their way.
“What happened, Mr. Yonnie?” one of the police officers asked as he walked up.
“I was coming to check on her and saw someone dart out from the trees with a gun. I grabbed my gun and put a bullet in his arm to stop him. It’s the same asshole who has been burglarizing her place and stopping by my shop,” I explained.
“Thank goodness, Mr. Yonnie. I hope these horrible things stop for both of you. You’ve both been through so much.” The police officer was turning his back and walked off as I tried to locate Kylie in the dark. Another officer pulled her off to get her statement.
I found her standing by the EMS truck, her hair a mess, her face stained with tears. My heart overflowed with love for the pretty girl. I walked over and slid my hand into hers before pulling her close to my side.
Kylie wrapped her arms around me tightly and pressed her cheek to my chest.
“Kylie, you can’t stay here anymore. It’s too late, and I can’t let you go anywhere now. You’re coming to stay with me tonight. We can talk about things.” I kissed the top of her head as she nodded.
She glanced up and stole my breath with the deep sadness in her gaze, her blue eyes filled with far too many emotions. She had endured so much pain, and I couldn’t hurt her or me anymore. Not even to protect myself.
We walked hand in hand to my house right after the police officer consented that we go home and rest. She was silent the whole time, her expressive eyes speaking on her behalf. I felt so damn guilty, but despite that, I felt fulfilled. She was with me again, and I could at least try and fix things.
We got into the house and sat on the couch together. Her arms were clinging tightly to my body, and I held her for a few minutes, just reveling in the feeling of her once against in my arms. All I wanted was to have her in my life again, to know that she loved me and forgave me for being such a fucking idiot.
“Kylie, I’m sorry.” I stroked her gentle face. She looked so beautiful despite her vulnerability. My heart ached to see her sad, but I deserved to suffer. I deserved this pain. “I did all of those stupid things that night because I was frightened that I would fall in love with you, and you’d pick up and leave me eventually. I couldn’t bear the thought of suffering that same pain again. Vince loves you so much, and I can’t afford to see him be crushed into pieces.”
She turned to meet my eyes, her eyes crowded with tears. “I’m not going to do that to you and Vince. You are the most important people in my life, and I would never do anything to hurt Vince.”
“Baby, I know that. I overreacted.” I leaned down and kissed the tip of her nose. “I’m a coward. I should have fought for you like the way you fought for us. I don’t deserve you, but here I am today begging you to forgive me. I don’t want you to go, Kylie. Please, I’ll do everything just to have you stay.” I knelt before her, pleading for her forgiveness. “Please, Kylie. I’m sorry for everything. I realized I can’t live without you. Give me another chance. Just one more.”
Tears fell from her cheeks, but the look on her face told me that she’d already forgiven me. She loved me, and like a good woman did, she made sure I knew it. “Okay, just one more chance though. If you mess up this time, I’ll be forced to shoot you with my new gun.”
We laughed together, and I moved back onto the couch, pulling her back into my arms. “You couldn’t hurt a flea if you had to.”
“What?” She laughed. “I’ve killed a hog. Remember?”
“I do remember.” I brushed my nose by hers and kissed her softly. “I’m so fucking sorry, baby.”
“Me too.” She snuggled against me. “Don’t hurt me again though, Hunter. My intentions are pure, and I’m not going anywhere. I love you too much to leave, ever.”
As she released her hold on me, I touched her cheeks and caressed her face. The remnants of tears served as scars of the bitter yesterday, but her smile signified the beauty of tomorrow we would be facing together. My heart was beating fast as I whispered these words in her ear. “I will never hurt you again, baby. I love you too. So fucking much.”
“Can we go to bed now? I’m still freaked out and so damn tired from all of this.” She looked hopefully at me.
“Hell yeah.” I got up and took her hand in mine, walking up the stairs in front of her. We’d almost had a tragedy that would have scarred me and Vince forever, but it all turned around because I kept my promise to little man. Kylie was behind me, having already forgiven me, and wanting to spend the night in my arms.
Everything was good. Fuck, better than good.
We climbed the stairs together, our hands holding each other. Upon reaching my room, I let her lay on my bed and rest. I laid beside her, assuring her that she was not alone. She’d had a rough night, and I wanted her to feel safe and loved.
“Thank you for protecting me.” She cuddled against me.
“I’ll never go far away from you. I’ll just stay beside you no matter what. I promise, and I’ll always be here to protect what’s mine.” I tucked her golden blonde locks away from her face.
“Good, because I am…yours.” She closed her eyes and fell asleep in my arms, making me the happiest man in the world.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Kylie
I woke up next to Hunter, finding solace with him lying next to me. I lifted his arm, careful so as not to wake him up from his deep sleep. I sat up and took my time to stare at his face. He was good looking and charming, even when he was sleeping. I kissed his cheek and stood up, readying myself for the new day.
Staying there overnight had me wanting to rekindle my usual routine. I jogged downstairs and walked into the kitchen, just like I had before everything went to hell in a hand basket. It was my task to prepare breakfast.