Page 135 of Finding Redemption

“I’m okay.” Reese sniffles, turning her head to speak to them. “My nerves are shot but I’m good. Walker came in the nick of time.” She clutches my hand. The weight on my chest at the thought of what could’ve happened suffocates me.

One walks over, kneeling in front of Reese. “The police are here. They’ll be back in a few minutes to speak to you both,” One says, laying his hand over Lea and Reese’s. “Are you sure you’re okay?”

“I will be, just crazy scary. Walker will take care of me.” She lays her head against my shoulder.

“All right. Can I borrow him for a few?” One asks.

“Yeah, just a few minutes,” Reese answers with a tight smile. I follow One into the office across the hall.

“I want you to give serious thought about what can be done differently here. We can’t allow this to happen again. Not for just the people volunteering but anyone that comes here. They need to know they’re safe.” He leans against the table, his forehead creased.

“This has never been an issue, you know that. The people coming here are happy to get the help they need, not to do things like this. Just off the top of my head, security guards. And I think we may need a screening area separate from the rest of the waiting room.”

“The guard was arranged on the way over. I agree with the screening area, a reception room for incoming and to check for weapons.” One shoves his hand into his pockets, cocking his brow. “A shit show, huh?”

“Yeah, another not one of my finer moments.” I shrug. “I came around the corner and he had her backed against the wall. I’m thankful I didn’t beat him to death.”

He smirks, and I think he’s going to give me a lesson in how to be a professional, but it never comes. “You handled it better than I would have. I would’ve kicked the fucker’s teeth in.”

“It took everything in me, man. I kept thinking you’re in a domestic violence center, not a good idea.”

One chuckles with me. “True. You’re a helluva man. Keep it up.” Wow. One’s words leave me speechless.

“Thank you.” I take his hand, shaking it proudly. “I’m gonna try to rush this along. I want to get Reese home.”

“Good deal.” One follows me to the hall where we talk with the authorities and hurry them to Reese, so I can get her out of here. I’m by her side as she files the report, holding her hand until it’s over.

“Come on. Let’s get you home.” I tug on her hand, leading her to the door.

“What about my Jeep? I’m afraid he’ll come back and do something to it if I leave it.” Her eyes are wide with fear.

“Can you drive?” She nods. “I’ll follow you.”

Helping her into her car, I lean in, kissing her before closing her door. I jump in my truck, making sure I stay as close to her as possible. I’m struggling with finding this man tomorrow and kicking his ass. I don’t know what I'd do without her.

30

Ikeep my eye on Walker all the way home. He’s stayed on me, even driving through red lights to stay close to me. Walker takes better care of me than even Alden. He’s the only other person who’s ever put me before his own well-being. Until Walker.

He parks beside me, scrambling to my door before I can even get out. “I’m fully capable of getting out of my car, Walker.” His face falls along with his head. Now I feel like crap. “I’m sorry.”

“I got you, baby.” He holds the door and my hand. I close my eyes, fighting the tears. I refuse to let this win. I will not cry.

“I’m good, Walker. I refuse to let this eat away at me.”

“Such a badass. I hear ya, Red.” He laces his fingers with mine, and we walk upstairs. “Oh, before I forget.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulls out a tightened fist. My eyes flicker from his to his hand. He opens it slowly, revealing two keys. “I meant for you to have these a while ago. You never have to wait for me again.”

“That’s twice. Don’t do it again.” I grin at him and drop my bag on the floor near the couch.

“Twice?” He squints, trying to remember the other time he locked me out.

“Once the other day, when I waited on you.” I step closer to him, enclosing him in my arms. “And the time you made me wait twenty-seven years for you to show up.”

There’s a spark in his eyes, stirring the deep need in my belly. I think I like it.

“Red, you had me scared for a minute.” He grasps my arms, hauling me to him. “I don’t scare easy, baby.”

My face flames when my pulse races from his embrace. “That’s funny. You frighten the hell outta me. I’ve never let anyone close enough to scare me, Walker.” I drop my eyes, my truth shocking me.