Total pages in book: 67
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 61286 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 306(@200wpm)___ 245(@250wpm)___ 204(@300wpm)
“But—”
He shook his head and Skye’s shoulders slumped as she obviously realized he wasn’t going to give in. He watched, waiting until she made it to his car and was safely inside, then strode into the house.
Tripp headed straight for the kitchen. Sirens sounded close by, telling Tripp he didn’t have much time alone left with this prick to make his point. Up close, he could see how pathetic the other man looked, whimpering like a baby as he pressed a hand to his dick and blood poured from the wound near his neck. His other arm hung limply, making Tripp wonder if Skye had hit a nerve when she’d stabbed him. His chest swelled with pride at her ability to protect and defend herself. That’s my girl.
Jack had the audacity to glare at Tripp, a sneer curling his lips, even as he slumped back to the floor.
Feeling vindictive and a bit savage, Tripp stepped on the top of the knife still sticking out of Jack’s flesh, driving the blade even further into skin, muscle, and tendons. With no strength to stop the attack, Jack screamed like a girl, giving Tripp the immense pleasure and satisfaction he needed.
He hunched down to Jack’s level, wanting the other man to look him in the eyes. “It’s a fucking pity Skye missed your main artery, you piece of shit.”
“Fuck you,” Jack spat out weakly.
Tripp gave him a cruel smile. “No, you’re the one who’s fucked. And just know this. If you ever touch Skye again, or dare to even look at her, or contact her in any way, I will fucking kill you myself. I’m a doctor and trust me, I can make your death slow and excruciatingly painful. If you ever get out of prison, you sick fuck.”
He heard cars screeching to a stop outside, indicating law enforcement had arrived, and less than a minute later a dozen police officers swarmed the home and took Jack into custody. Because of his injuries, EMTs were called and arrived to transport Jack to the hospital, but promised he’d remain cuffed, with no way to escape.
At Tripp’s insistence, they checked Skye over, wiping the blood off her face the best they could. Thank God she had no external wounds and her vitals were all within normal range. Given the shock and events she’d endured, Tripp was concerned about her pregnancy but she insisted she felt fine and just wanted to go home. The paramedics agreed.
After giving her statement to a law enforcement officer, she left with Tripp. Though she was fine physically, her emotional trauma would take longer to heal. But one thing was for certain. He would be there for her, every step of the way.
Before taking her back to his apartment, Tripp swung by Skye’s place so she could pack a bag with her things. She didn’t argue when he insisted she stay with him, and he assumed it might be because she was still in shock. But her reasons didn’t matter to him. Skye and their child’s safety did.
By the time they arrived at his place, she had dark circles under her eyes and her face was pale and drawn. She was exhausted and all he wanted to do was take care of her. To let her know that she wasn’t alone and she could depend on him, without fear of losing the independence he knew was important to her.
First, he stripped them both down and put Skye in a warm shower, washing her hair and body as she stood and let him care for her. No need for her to know it was also his way of being able to run his hands over every inch of her skin to assure himself that she was truly unharmed. She didn’t seem to mind his attentiveness, or how he insisted she eat something, before bundling her in a warm blanket, sitting down on the couch, and cuddling with her on his lap.
She burrowed against his chest with a soft sigh, and he held her close while stroking her hair. Only then did he really allow himself to process what had happened, and how close he’d been to losing Skye to a deranged madman.
The cop who’d taken Skye’s statement told them that Jack would most likely be put away for a very long time. Between the kidnapping, the aggravated assault, possession and use of a firearm, and ignoring the protective order still valid against him, he had a lot of serious charges stacked up against him.
“Move in with me, Skye,” Tripp said, breaking the comfortable silence between them. He hadn’t planned the words but he meant them.
Yes, he was aware that he was probably rushing things after what had occurred, but it was that same ordeal that made him not want to waste any more time. He couldn’t bear being separated from the woman who was his entire world. He wanted to be a part of her life and their child’s life, every single day.