Chapter 69

Jackson's POV

I kept blaming myself for everything that happened. If I truly meant everything I’d been saying, I would’ve told the driver to stop right in front of Vera’s house in New Orleans and let her go. But I didn’t. I couldn’t.

That doesn’t mean I’m not angry with her. Things would’ve worked out if she had stayed at the hospital and not handed herself over to the enemy. Still, deep down, I know it’s not her fault. She was running away from the pain, trying to escape reality. I took another child away from her, and this time, she didn’t even get the chance to deliver safely before it was snatched away.

I hate myself for that.

And now, thinking back to the moment Kenneth called and told me he had Vera, I’ve never felt fear like that before. Never.

As she sat beside me quietly in the car, I wanted so badly to hold her hand, to kiss her softly and promise her she’d never have to feel pain again. That I would protect her with my life.