Total pages in book: 88
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 82439 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 412(@200wpm)___ 330(@250wpm)___ 275(@300wpm)
As I try to collect myself, I look back at Benedict, hoping for some clarity amidst the storm of emotions. “So, what happens now?” I ask, my voice barely a whisper. “What do we do?”
Benedict’s expression is serious, but there’s a flicker of reassurance in his eyes. “We get you and Nate to safety first,” he says, his tone steady and authoritative. “Then we need to find Christopher and Enzo.”
“Why Enzo?” I ask, my voice quivering as I try to make sense of everything.
Benedict’s gaze turns more focused, his brows furrowing slightly. “Enzo was working with Christopher to betray the Delgados. He’s crucial to understanding the full extent of the operation and the danger still at play.”
I feel a wave of confusion and betrayal wash over me. “Benedict, wait, is that even really your name?” The question escapes me before I can stop it, a mix of disbelief and frustration coloring my voice.
He looks at me with a wry smile that catches me off guard. For a moment, the harsh reality of the situation softens, and I’m reminded of the man I’ve seen behind the facade. There’s something undeniably compelling about him. “Yes, it’s really my name,” he says, the smile lingering as if it’s meant to offer some comfort.
The smile is unexpected, and it throws me off balance. I can’t deny that he’s strikingly handsome, with an intensity in his eyes that speaks of both pain and determination.
As I look at him, trying to reconcile the man before me with the image I had of him, I’m left with a tumult of emotions. The urgency of our situation snaps me back to reality. “I need to see Nate,” I say, my voice firm despite the tremor in my hands.
Benedict nods, his expression resolute. “You will. We’ll get through this, Eva. For now, let’s focus on getting you and Nate to safety and then we’ll tackle the rest.”
“Mommy,” Nate cries out, his voice a mix of relief and desperation as he sprints toward me with all the speed his little legs can muster.
I bend down with as much care as I can manage, despite the pain radiating through my body. My arms, still weak from the ordeal, reach out to gather him in a tight embrace. Benedict stands close by, steadying me with a reassuring hand on my back as I struggle to hold my son.
“I missed you so much,” I whisper, my voice breaking with emotion as I cling to Nate, feeling the warmth and familiarity of him against my chest. My heart aches with both love and the relief of finally being reunited.
Benedict clears his throat, his gaze steady but filled with a hint of empathy. “With the ongoing case against Christopher and his clear involvement in the trafficking ring, we’re pushing to get an order of protection for Nate against Christopher. We’re working on it as fast as we can.”
The words barely register over the rush of tears welling up in my eyes. I hold Nate tighter, the security of his small body in my arms providing a balm to my frayed nerves. It’s a bittersweet moment of relief amidst the chaos, knowing that my son is safe and that there is a path forward for us.
We’re currently nestled in a safe house, a modest yet secure refuge in a small town just outside Saint Pierce. The house is discreet, its walls thick enough to keep us protected from any potential threats. The small town offers a layer of anonymity, and for now, it feels like a sanctuary.
The sound of Nate’s heartbeat against mine is a soothing rhythm that helps ground me amidst the whirlwind of recent events. As Benedict and the rest of the team work to locate Enzo and Christopher, I sit here and hold my son.
I gently guide Nate toward the back bedroom and lay him down on the bed. He looks so small and tired, his little eyes heavy with exhaustion.
As I pull the covers up around him, he gazes up at me with a mixture of confusion and curiosity. “Mommy, where’s Daddy?”
The question pierces my heart, and I struggle to find the right words. I manage a soft, reassuring smile, hoping to provide some comfort. “Daddy had to go away for a bit, so you’re going to be staying with me for now. We’re going to go home as soon as it’s safe.”
“Why’s it not safe?” His voice is small, and I can see the weariness in his eyes.
I swallow hard, fighting back tears as I brush a stray lock of hair from his forehead. “Mommy just needs to figure a few things out. But don’t worry, because maybe tomorrow we’ll get some ice cream.”
His eyes brighten at the mention of ice cream, even though he’s clearly exhausted. “Can I have strawberry?”
I raise an eyebrow playfully. “I thought chocolate was your favorite flavor?”