A car engine roars to life, and Ash snarls at me, “You aren’t fucking expendable. You’re nonnegotiable. You’re everything I’ve ever fucking wanted and needed, and you’re trying to get yourself killed.” I swipe my cheeks and clear my throat. “I love you, Ash. I love you, and I won’t ever let this man touch you again. That’s the line I’m drawing. I can do this.” He groans then snaps, “I’m not saying it over the phone. You’ll stay alive so I can say it to your face.”
