Chapter 109

Shantelle’s POV

I pushed off the wall and walked over to his white button-up. I let the rich fabric rub between my fingers. Whatever he was hiding must have fucked him up for him to need me as a shield. And for him to make that happen, even if it meant threatening me. He was that desperate, and if I truly thought about it, I didn’t believe he would have said something. Even though he’d probably never admit it, I knew he cared about me. I knew he wanted to protect me. And that trust he had, it was very thin, and he was willing to take it away without blinking an eye.

I picked up his white shirt and fit it over my shoulders, the size difference easily noticeable as I buttoned up the middle buttons. It felt warm, and comfortable, like his arms were wrapped around me. And just as I started rolling the sleeves, he stepped out of the bathroom and found me.

The crease in his brow unfurrowed.

“Is this okay?” I asked.

Slowly, he made his way toward me, hi