Cut Me Free by J. R. Johansson Page A

enough to be embarrassed now, but I’m not. The wall that keeps my past carefully caged has crumbled and I can’t do anything to rebuild it. It’s good not to be alone, that Cam didn’t leave me, didn’t run away. He raises his hand off the ground, holding it still in the air, and waits. Without his saying a word, I know he wants to help. Sucking in a deep breath, I realize I want it, too—a small piece of protection, of human comfort. My hand shudders as I slide it beneath his and he lowers his hand to rest over my still-closed fist. It’s better than I hoped. He shouldn’t feel good, not this good. But his warmth penetrates my skin and sinks deep into me. His smell fills me with peace and knowledge that everything will be okay. I want to stay here. I want him to help me through it. More than that, I think I need someone if I’m going to make it through this at all. I can’t do it alone.
    And that scares me more than the disappearing man from the corner booth.
    The door opens and Lily walks in. Her jaw drops, then her lips curve into a sneer. I move to twist my fist free, but Cam’s hand tightens and won’t let me go.
    â€œIf you two are done making out, maybe she can go help Mary. She doesn’t get any privileges because of you, Cam. Specifically, taking an extra-long break just so you can ‘make sure she’s all right,’” she mutters, as she walks toward the door, but her next words are crystal clear. “She looks just fine to me.”
    As soon as she walks out, Cam releases his grip. I slide my hand out and get up from the floor. Yeah, now I’m embarrassed. It’s important he understand that this doesn’t … can’t mean anything—even if I am still overwhelmed by his kindness and the warmth lingering from his hand on mine. “Thank you, and I’m sorry. I’ve had a hard time lately and you were there. It won’t happen again.”
    He gets to his feet and moves toward the door. His eyes are guarded, but I can see a lingering sadness beneath. “It’s fine. I’m only doing what you paid me for.”
    A very tall, very loud man blocks the door before it’s even all the way open. “Hey, Marco!” He slaps Cam across the shoulder. I move a few steps back. The name Marco sends a chill through my veins and suddenly makes Cam look less trustworthy in my eyes.
    â€œMe and the boys need to talk to you about a few things.”
    Cam shakes his head before the other man even finishes. “Not now, Oscar.”
    â€œOh, now’s not convenient for you, is it? What if we decide not to make it optional?” His voice lowers a bit and he turns and his eyes find mine, looking me over before he leers back at Cam. “Well now, who is this?”
    Cam’s expression flashes anger as he glances back at me, but just as quickly it’s gone. “Her name is Charlotte.”
    Oscar winks and nudges Cam with his elbow. “Yeah, sure it is.”
    Cam ignores him and continues. “She’s new. She’ll be replacing Mary.”
    â€œI’d better get back to work. Thanks for your help, Marco.” I slide past them into the hallway. The way Oscar’s eyes move over me is making my skin crawl to get away.
    â€œNo.” Cam’s voice is sharp, but his eyes beg me not to argue, not this time, so I stay silent. He turns back to Oscar. “Wait in Lily’s office. I’ll be right there.”
    Oscar inclines his head and grins at me before walking away.
    I follow Cam back into the room, staying close to the door. Everything he’s ever told me suddenly feels colored with shadows of doubt.
    â€œMarco is my first name. Marco Cameron Angelo.” He stares me straight in the eye as he continues. “My mom wanted Cameron, my dad wanted a family name, and I prefer my mom’s choice.”
    I tilt my chin down but don’t say anything. He steps closer, and