I closed my eyes.
“I’m sorry.”
“No.”
Her voice grew firm.
“Don’t apologize for calling me.”
I swallowed.
“Can I stay with you?”
“Hannah, you could have come here any day. You never needed permission.”
I bowed my head.
For months, Brandon had told me Jasmine didn’t want anything to do with me.
He’d shown me messages supposedly from her.
Cold messages.
Cruel messages.
Now I wondered whether those messages had ever been real.
Jasmine continued.
“I’ll come get you.”
Camille gently took the phone and gave her the restaurant’s address.
The officer helped us discuss a safe pickup plan, and Camille offered to remain with me until Jasmine arrived.
When I hung up, I looked toward the window.
Damien stood outside the office speaking quietly to one of his security men.
He turned when he noticed me watching.
Our eyes met.
Then he returned to his conversation.
For reasons I couldn’t explain, his restraint mattered more than his power.
