The safe house felt different when Grace walked in two hours later. What had once been a temporary haven now appeared like holy ground……..a location where she and Max could begin to rebuild their lives after surviving Derek's psychological assault.
Max was waiting in the little kitchen, brewing coffee with the same focused care he typically devoted to elaborate meal preparations. His hands were solid, but she could feel the stiffness in his shoulders, as he grasped the counter like an anchor.
"Coffee at 10 p.m.?" she questioned quietly.
“I had trouble sleeping.” He turned to face her, and she saw all of her feelings reflecting in his eyes……....relief, fatigue, affection, and what may have been awe. "Are you really fine?"
"Define okay."
"Alive. Not hurt. Instead, come here with me. He
