[This post is from Matt’s point of view.]
She closed the door behind him and collapsed against it, her expression blank and her eyes starting to fill with nothing short of absolute soul-wrenching terror. Matt sat frozen for a few long moments, trying to process what had just happened to them.
Then he pushed himself to his feet and crossed the kitchen floor in a few quick strides. He wrapped his arms around Hecate and pulled her against his chest, resting his chin against the top of her head.
She was shaking. One of her hands fumbled behind her to twist the lock on the door, setting the deadbolt.
“Matt,” she rasped, burying her face against his neck. “Matt, I can’t—I won’t—”
“Shh,” he murmured, his arms tightening. “I’m here. I’m right here.”
“But tomorrow you won’t be,” she whispered. “Tomorrow I face this alone.”
He drew back slightly, looking down at her. “What do you mean? I’m not going anywhere and there’s no way I’m going to let you go toe-to-toe with him by yourself.”
Hecate’s gaze flicked up to meet his, the fear still there, huge and very, very real. “He wants both of us,” she said. “I won’t let him have you. I won’t let him hurt you. I won’t do it again. I won’t be that again. I promised myself—I promised—I promised you—him…”
Matt exhaled, drawing her against his chest again and holding her tightly. “Nothing’s going to hurt me as long as we’re together and I won’t let a damn thing happen to you if I can help it.”
“The only way I can protect you is to send you away.”
His heart started to pound a little faster, but not in anticipation of escape—he was scared. He was afraid to leave her. I can’t do it. I can’t leave her here alone, especially not to face that bastard. “I’m not going anywhere.” He swallowed past the tightness in his throat. “I love you, Hecate. Cíar loved you then and I love you now—and I’m not going to leave you this time.”
“He didn’t have a choice,” Hecate whispered even as her arms slid around his waist. “You might not, either.”
“Today I do,” Matt said, pressing a kiss against her temple. “And today I say I’m not going anywhere—I’m not leaving you to face this alone.”
“I love you,” she breathed, then closed her eyes. “I love you so much.”
“I’m staying with you,” he murmured into her hair. “He’s not going to scare me away.”
Hecate just hung on tighter. Matt rubbed her back and held her.
For the moment, there was nothing else he could do.
Maybe H and Matt can move into the compound in Michigan. That would make sure that everything went smoothly, wouldn’t it? – innocent look –