Never Let Go (Take My Hand) Read Online Free PDF Page B

that’s going to steal you away from me.”
    “Go to Dexter,” he said again, removing my hand from
his head and kissing my knuckles. “I know there’s probably more you want to
know and we’ll talk more later. But for now… go and let the poor bastard know
you’re not kicking him out.”
    “Okay,” I nodded. I tried to smile but it wouldn’t
come. It was like those particular muscles in my face had dissolved. Climbing
off the bed, I headed for the door. I turned around briefly before I closed it
behind me and Chris had flopped backwards onto the mattress with his hands
pressed over his face. “I love you,” I whispered, knowing he couldn’t hear me.
    Then I made my way downstairs, planning to throw
myself straight into Dexter’s arms.

Chapter
Five
    Dexter
     
    My breath caught when I saw Emily standing
in the doorway. Immediately, I jumped from the couch.
    “Emily…” I breathed, too nervous to approach her. “I’m
sorry.”
    She didn’t respond with words, choosing instead to run
towards me and throw herself into my arms. Thank
fuck.
    “I’m sorry I yelled at you,” she sobbed into my chest. Her
whole body vibrated against me as she broke down and I held her tighter,
curling one hand behind her neck and one around her waist. “I don’t know what
I’m going to do. Tell me what I’m supposed to do,” she cried, making my eyes
sting and my heart ache.
    “I don’t know, doll.” I
wish I did. “We’re just going to have to try and get through this one day
at a time.”
    Chris appeared at the other side of the room while I was
still holding Emily. He motioned to the front door with his thumb and I gave
him a knowing nod that said I’d take care of her. I didn’t know where he was
going and I didn’t ask. The only thing I could focus on right now was soothing
Emily and holding her till her tears dried up.
     
    An hour or so later we were settled on the couch. Emily lay
across my lap with her legs dangling off the edge. She’d stopped sobbing, but
every so often just one silent tear would seep from her swollen eyes.
    ‘Fuck’ I groaned inwardly when my cell started to ring. I
hated disturbing Emily but I couldn’t ignore it in case it was Aunt Sarah. This
country was still so new to her and as yet she didn’t really know anyone. Em
and I are all she’s got.
    “Hey, sweet cheeks,” I answered after seeing her name flash
up on the screen.
    “Hey, honey. Are you still coming over tonight?” Shit. I’d
arranged to go over because Emily was supposed to be meeting with Snickers.
    “I’m sorry, something’s come up. I don’t think I can make
it.”
    “He’ll be there!” Emily called out, loud enough so Aunt
Sarah could hear her down the line.
    “Um… guess I am coming
after all. Eight o’clock?”
    “Sounds good to me. And don’t eat! I’m making dinner.”
    “Sure,” I agreed. “See you soon.”
    After hanging up I lifted my ass so I could tuck my cell in
my back pocket. Emily looked up at me with a sad smile… a forced smile. I kissed her on the forehead, letting my lips linger
as if I could draw out her pain into my mouth.
    “I didn’t think you’d be up to seeing Snickers tonight, and
if that’s the case then I’m not leaving you alone. Aunt Sarah will understand.”
    “No. I still want to see her. She needs to know about Chris.
I just have no idea how I’m going to tell her.”
    “I can stay with you.”
    “I’ll be fine. I’ve missed her so much. I kind of need this
time alone with her.”
    “Then I’ll shoot Jared a text. He can come and keep me and
Aunt Sarah company.”
    “Good idea.” Emily nodded and then swung her legs around,
sitting upright on the edge of the couch. “He doesn’t know anyone round here.
He’d probably just end up sitting in his hotel room by himself.”
    “Are you okay?” I asked, taking hold of her hand. I
regretted it instantly. Of course she wasn’t okay!
    “No,” she answered solemnly, shrugging weakly. “And I’m