Page 107 of Under His Protection
“Of course, I’m coming with you. And don’t worry about my job. Jake told me this evening I can remain here on protection duty with you as long as you need me.”
“Tomorrow won’t be too bad, but I’m dreading Wednesday. I’ll have to face both Andrea and Mark.” She tightens her grip on me. “Thank you for everything you’ve done.” She presses a kiss to my bare chest. “I don’t know how I lucked out to have you in my life, but I’m grateful.”
“You don’t need to thank me, Haley. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for you.”
When she yawns, I smile. I think talking has helped her wind down. I continue to rub her back and stroke her hair as her body slowly relaxes against mine, and she eventually falls asleep.
“Goodnight, sweetheart,” I murmur, pressing my lips against her forehead. I breathe in deeply, taking in the scent of her skin. It’s better than any perfume in the world.
Chapter 32 – Haley
As we arrive on campus Tuesday morning, I feel apprehensive. I know Christian is sitting in jail right now waiting to be arraigned, which will probably happen today. He’s not going to show up on campus today at least, so I don’t have to worry about running into him. It looks like Troy Spencer is officially representing me. Mom called before we left the safehouse to let me know.
Tuesday feels very anticlimactic after everything that’s happened. My political science and British literature courses are safe spaces. Even though I don’t feel like I have to be on guard or watch my back, it’s reassuring that Philip is sitting in the back of the room. I’m glad he’s with me today, but I realize he can’t keep doing this forever. He needs to get back to his regular job, and that doesn’t include babysitting me. I hope he can stick around at least a couple more days.
After my classes are over for the day, we stop by the dorm room. Since I’ve been gone a while, I knock on the door. Melissa’s not expecting me, so I don’t want to take her by surprise. I’m a bit nervous to see her again after the condom incident last week. I think she was as traumatized as I was.
Melissa opens the door, and the expression on her face when she realizes it’s me is exactly what I need.
“Haley! Oh, my God, how are you?” She throws her arms around me and squeezes me tightly. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’m good. How are you?”
Melissa releases me and stands aside so we can enter. “Hi, Philip.” Then she turns her attention back to me. “I’m fine. I was wondering when I’d see you again.” She winces, as if she’s afraid to even ask. “Is it over? Please say yes.”
I nod. “We caught him last night. He’s currently sitting in the county jail right now.”
“Who was it? Anyone I know?”
“I don’t think so. He’s in my chemistry lecture and lab classes. He came out of left field. I had hardly any interaction with him, and he seemed like the nicest guy, very quiet, friendly even.”
“It’s always the nice ones, isn’t it? They hide in plain sight. Does this mean you’re coming back to the dorm?”
“That’s why I stopped by. To let you know I’ll be moving back in this week, probably Thursday afternoon.”
“Do you need any help?”
I nod to Philip. “This guy is helping me, plus our friends, so I think we’ve got it covered.”
“No problem,” she says. “I’m so glad you’re coming back. I thought I might like having the room all to myself, but to be honest, it feels pretty empty without you here. Welcome back!”
* * *
While Tuesday went well, Wednesday is a completely different story.
My first class, chemistry lecture, goes fine. I don’t even spot Andrea or Mark in the crowded lecture hall.
History is great simply because I get to see Layla and Jasmine. After class, we go to the cafeteria for lunch and grab a large table so we can all sit together, the guys included.
After I tell them all about the sting operation and the cops arresting Christian, our conversation moves on to something far more exciting—the wedding.
Layla is having her final dress fitting this week, and the bridesmaid dresses should be ready for pickup by the weekend.
“The guys are scheduled to visit the tux rental shop Friday evening to get fitted,” Layla says. “I can’t wait to see that.” She reaches over to touch Jason’s face. They lean toward each other and kiss.
Philip in a tux?That’s going to be epic. “I want to come, too.”
“Same,” Jasmine says. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. Liam looks amazing in a tux.”
