Anne lay curled against Augustine, her head resting on his chest. He held her like he never wanted to let go, one hand stroking her hair, the other draped across her back in a protective hold.
For a while, neither of them spoke. Then Augustine exhaled slowly, the tension in his body finally easing. "I don't ever want to be in that position again," he said, his voice tight.
Anne lifted her head slightly, meeting his eyes. They weren't fierce now. They were open, vulnerable, filled with emotion. "I promise. It won't happen again." She smiled softly. "Knowing you were there—that you always show up for me, makes me confident. That's what gives me the strength."
He kissed her forehead, slow and lingering. "Patricia and Lorie won't hurt you again. I'll never let them near you again."
She nodded, pressing a kiss to his cheek. "Let's go buy some gifts."
"Gifts?" Augustine arched his eyebrows at the sudden change of the topic.
