Arabel's POV
I wake up with a jolt, beads of trepidation dropping from my temple as I make eye contact with Richard.
“Bella, are you okay?” He hurries over to my side, sliding into the bed and embracing me.
I can't help but hug him back.
Knowing he is here and the dream wasn't a reality, has relief washing down every part of my system.
I can't handle being tortured again. I don't think I can survive being in that hell again. Not again.
Alex is dead, but that isn't doing anything to eliminate my fear and trauma. I keep having nightmares of him pulling the trigger, hurting me over and over again.
It makes me teary.
I abruptly pull away, realizing I'm hugging the same man I should be angry with, and ask. "What are you doing here?"
Confusion replaces the worry on his face as he leans back before answering. “I told you I was coming with you.”
“And I told you to go back home. I can take care of myself!” I snap at him, as he continues to stare at me.
Instead of responding to me, he stays sil
