Chapter 69

The air outside was cold against my skin, though my body still burned from the fire of my anger. My breath came out unsteady as I stood by the restaurant entrance, clutching the phone to my ear, my voice still shaking when I whispered for Benjamin to come pick me up.

Minutes felt like hours. Cars passed by, people walked in and out of the restaurant, laughing, talking, living their normal lives while I stood there feeling like my chest might break open. I hugged myself, pressing my arms around my body as though that would hold me together.

Then, I saw his car. The black SUV pulled up quickly to the curb, and before I even had time to breathe, Benjamin stepped out.

His eyes found me instantly. Hard, searching, filled with worry. Without saying anything, he closed the distance between us in quick strides. His hands were on my arms, then around me, pulling me into his chest.

For the first time since I had walked into that restaurant, I let myself breathe. The so