“I—you have me, Nora. I’m not going to push you, I’m not going to crowd you, I know you’ll have a lot of things to settle after tonight. But I hope you’ll let me be part of your life, when you’re ready.”

She felt like Cinderella, being swept off her feet by a handsome prince as they battled her evil mother. But her life wasn’t a fairy tale. It had been hard, cold, unforgiving, and ruthless.

Yet she still had hope. Maybe she could have a future where she could make a real difference.

“I’d like that.” Her voice sounded foreign. Had she even spoken?

Then he kissed her. It was short and light, but it was clear he was kissing her, his lips on hers, his hand pressing gently on her back. Kind, hopeful, supportive. But this wasn’t friendship. Nora knew exactly what it meant.

I hope you’ll let me be part of your life.

“You’ll be safe, Nora,” he whispered. “I promise I won’t let anything happen to you.”

Nora jumped when Cameron slapped her thigh hard enough to bring tears to her eyes. Gone were the memories of Andy kissing her, the warm feeling of being safe even for a moment. She was back in the Jeep, facing a half-deranged man.