Chapter 07
Emily’s POV
I woke up to the dull ache in my arm, a stark reminder of yesterday‘ s events. Zane had slept beside me, his small body curled up close, his presence a comforting anchor in the quiet of the morning. The house was silent, save for the soft, rhythmic sound of his breathing. Carefully, I slipped out of bed, trying not to disturb him, and headed to the kitchen.
Making breakfast with one hand was more challenging than I anticipated, but it kept my mind focused, pulling me away from the lingering memories of being shot. The bullet lodged in my shoulder could have easily ended my life had it been just a few inches lower. That thought alone was enough to make my hands tremble slightly as I cracked eggs into the pan.
As I stirred the eggs with my good hand, my thoughts drifted back to the police officer who had saved me. His face was still fresh in my mind–he was the only one who had shown genuine concern for my well–being. In contrast, my family’s reactions had beent painfully indifferent, almost as if my life was an afterthought.
The doorbell rang, pulling me from my reverie. I wasn’t expecting anyone, so I hesitated for a moment before heading to the door. When I opened it, I was met with the sight of the officer from yesterday. He stood tall, his muscular frame filling the doorway. His skin had a warm, healthy glow, and his piercing blue eyes were
Старит 07
kind, holding a warmth that made my breath catch for a moment.
“Good morning,” he greeted, his voice deep and resonant.
“Good morning,” I replied, a bit flustered. “Would you like to come in? I was just making breakfast.”
He seemed to hesitate, then nodded. “I wouldn’t want to impose, but I did want to check on you.”
“It’s no imposition,” I assured him, stepping aside to let him in. “Please, come in. It’s the least I can do after what you did for me.”
He entered the house, and I led him to the kitchen, offering him a cup of coffee. As we sat down, the conversation flowed naturally, a stark contrast to the awkward, strained conversations I usually had with people. We formally introduced ourselves, and he told me his name was Frank.
He told me a threat had been reported and given my father was dead because of that threat, the chief wanted him on the look at incase the same people tried anything with the mourning family.
As we continued our conversation, I looked at Frank, curiosity getting the better of me. “So, how did you end up at the funeral? I don’t recall seeing you around before.”
Frank nodded, taking a sip of his coffee before replying. “I just moved to the area a few months ago. My father’s been here for a
16 34
Cheater
while, though.”
“Oh, I see,” I nodded, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me. “I‘ m glad you were there. I don’t know what would have happened if you weren’t. Thank you for saving my life.”
W was str
my job, besides it’s not every day you can have a beautiful woman in your arms even though she faints when she saw her own blood” he teases giving me another charming smile. Blood rushes to my cheeks. I laugh, trying to hide my embarrassment.
A comfortable silence settled between us as we sipped our coffee. For the first time in a long while, I felt at ease with someone new. Frank had a calm, reassuring presence that made me feel safe- something I hadn’t felt in a very long time.
“You seem to be handling all this pretty well,” Frank observed, his gaze lingering on my bandaged arm.
I shrugged, offering a small, sad smile. “I’ve had a lot of practice. dealing with pain.”
His expression softened, and he reached across the table, his hand lightly touching mine. “If you ever need to talk, or anything else, I’m just a phone call away.”
“Thank you, Frank,” I said, genuinely touched by his concern. We exchanged phone numbers, though I didn’t expect him to actually
Chapter 07
call. Still, the gesture meant more to me than I could express.
After Frank left, I stood there for a moment. His presence had brought an unexpected comfort to my chaotic morning. Following a brief pause, I finally made my way to the kitchen.
As I started washing the dishes, the conversation we had shared replayed in my mind. His kindness lingered in the air like a warm embrace, easing the pain that had settled in my chest. I wasn’t used to being treated with such care and respect, and it was a welcome change.
The doorbell rang again, interrupting my thoughts.
A smile crept onto my face as I dried my hands, thinking Frank had forgotten something.
“Frank, is there something-”
But as I opened the door, the smile vanished.
It was Keith.
81 57%
