A Taste of Spring novel Chapter 50

The ache in him grew with every sob that shook her body and rocked his. Dez sat up on his elbow, gently took hold of her chin, and turned her head so that she could see him. Her tears glittered in the glare from the open window.

"No," he urged her to understand with his eyes and the conviction in his voice, "That animal who took Troy is to blame. Not you." He brushed his thumb over her lips. "Not you, now close your eyes."

He waited for several seconds before Spring nodded, then closed her eyes. Before closing his own, Dez knew he would do everything in his power to protect and give his woman happiness again.

"I'm never letting you go again," he whispered in her ear.

"Promise," she whispered back as she nestled into him.

Dez sighed with relief as he said, "I promise."

(I'll promise Forever when you're ready.)

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SUMMER

A month later

The heat from the bright lights above Summer made her quarter sleeve shirt feel constricting. She rubbed her hands over her thighs then reached for the water she'd been given. As she sipped the water, she focused on the desk she sat in front of. It was littered with papers, pens, and other office supplies.