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He disarmed her too quickly for Vivian to follow the e broke off when Zeke brought the pistol grip down against the side of her head The wo her pulse He unbuckled his belt, wrapped her ar her ankles with the power cord Only then did he rise and move to Vivian

“You hit her,” Vivian whispered, eyes fixed to the li room

“Not a hero, love Already warned you that”

“The police–?” she asked as he ripped the duct tape from her ankles

“On their way John called ahead for me Are you okay?”

She winced when her hands cales worse for a few painful breaths before they faded froers “My head hurts, but other than that I’m fine”

He pressed her to his chest without warning, his arms banded around her back Now the tears ca the collar of his shirt where she buried her face against his skin “Is–is John okay?” she asps

Zeke shook his head “Of course you’d be more worried about hiiant fecking bump on his head, but he’ll live”

“Thank God” The horrible thought that Delilah could have taken away one of the only men who understood Zeke’s demons didn’t completely leave, but at least noas muted, overwhelmed with other concerns

Like what to do about the sirens outside her apartment “What will they do with her?” Vivian asked quietly as Zeke lifted her to her feet and unlocked the front door She winced a little when the door opened and the shrill noises increased in volu her, made it bearable

“No idea Hopefully get her some help”

“You aren’t afraid she’ll come back for us?”

The harsh lines of his face softened and he brushed the back of his fingers over her cheek “No, darlin’, I’, battery, atte the evidence necessary to put her away”

Officers spilled from the cars and rushed toward the open doorway Zeke dreay froh to set the pistol on the floor, several feet froain “We’ll be fine,” he promised

“I know,” she agreed, even as police swarmed her apart it took them to remove Delilah from her apartment, how many interviews she was told she’d need to do Zeke never let her go