Page 146 of Finding Redemption

“Don’t, please. He’s just started getting better.”

Fuck her. Like I’m all happy-go-lucky.

I raise my brow, leering at her. “I’m talking to Walker.”

“Well, talk.” Walker stands with his arms folded by a conference room.

I point to the office. “Can we?”

He nods, following me inside. He closes the door behind us, leaning against it. My breath hitches from his proximity. It’s been six weeks since I’ve been this close to him. To say he doesn’t affect me would be a lie.

My brows knit. “I’m not sure where to start.”

“It’s not like I get to choose. You do that for me.” His disdain is palpable, with good reason.

I wring my hands, my stomach flipping. “I know you’re angry, and you have every right to be. I know you can’t understand my reasons.” My lips tremble with every word.

He levels me with a glare. “Maybe because you haven’t given me any reasons.”

“Can I just say that I have every right to walk away. You don’t own me.” I fist my hand, laying it on my hip.

His mouth pops open, then closes. He stands straight, leaning toward me. “I’m sorry you think I treated you like I own you. It was never my intention.” He spins on his heels.

This is it. I have to tell him.

“Walker, wait. I’m sorry.” I grab his arm; the contact sends a shock through my body.

He glances over his shoulder, his eyes piercing, rooting me to my spot. “Unless you’re here to tell me you love me, I need to get back to work.” He opens the door.

Heat spreads through me. Venom fills my words. “Why does everything have to be your way? Did you ever consider I might have a better way?”

“Does it lead to you and I being together?” He narrows his eyes. My heart pounds against my ribcage, and my breath hitches. I shake my head, biting my lip. His face falls, along with my heart. I’m doing this to him. I’m hurting him this way. “I didn’t think so.”

“You don’t know everything, you know? This is for the best.” I grit my teeth as the lie falls from my lips, leaving a bad taste in my mouth.

“So, you say.” He pulls from my touch, and the door closes behind him.

Fury blinds me, pulling the knot in my gut tighter. “Fuck it.”

I storm from the building, leaving Walker behind. I jerk my Jeep door open, throwing my bag into the seat. I fall to pieces. My tears hit the ground. I can’t do this, I can’t have him, but I don’t think I can live without him. I whirl around to run back to Walker, but I’m met with a hand around my neck.

“Now, tell me where my fucking wife is.” Heath’s grip on my neck tightens. I claw at his hand, scratching at him.

“No fucking way, asshole.” I grit my teeth when pain explodes in my skull as he bounces my head off the side of my Jeep.

“Now, you fucking bitch.” His breath washes over my face, the smell of alcohol inundating me. “I’m not asking again.”

My head hits the metal a little harder this time.

His grasp tightens, making me struggle for air. I gasp as my vision darkens. Then, the light goes out. In the distance, I hear Walker calling my name. His voice, sweet and caring. I can tell he still loves me.

33

Ipull out my phone, hitting dial. “Hey, I’m at the hospital,” I choke, my mouth dry. “Reese was attacked.”

“What the fuck? We’re on the way.” Riley’s voice is low, menacing.

“I’m gonna call Alden. They won’t tell me a damn thing. I’m not on her contacts.”