I Won't Give Up on You by F. L. Jacob Page A

There are worse fates than death.
    “I don’t know how she’s going to handle all of this. I’m actually not sure how anyone found out that she was still alive. We thought we had everything covered up. But, please, Cass, try to understand where she is coming from. Wouldn’t you do anything to protect Sabrina?” He must see the fear flash in my eyes, because he continues, “Now imagine if that was your child.”
    I feel the bile rising in my throat. I swallow hard to keep from losing it. How could they have thought I would be safe in Beverly’s clutches?
    My heart is racing, and my breathing becomes shallow. I’m on the verge of a panic attack. I have to get out of here.
    “Don’t fucking leave. Don’t you even think about it.” I storm out of the room and walk out onto the patio. I lean forward, rest my hands on knees, and take a deep cleansing breath. Terrance appears quickly behind me.
    “Terrance, don’t let him leave, even if it means you have to restrain him.”
    “Yes, sir.”
    I walk further down the yard to the lake. Staring out over the water I watch the thunder heads roll in. I hear the rumbling in the distance and see the lightning snake through the clouds. My mood reflects the incumbent weather. As if Sabrina knew I needed her, my phone chimes that a text from her has come through.
    My heart aches with love for her. I can’t wait to make her my wife and start a new life together. An uncomplicated, perfect life. I laugh at the thought. Uncomplicated, what the fuck is that?
    I’ve never run from my problems. My life has been one fucked up event after another. How am I supposed to bring Sabrina into my life and make everything perfect for her?
    I bend down and pick up a stone, turning it over and over in my hand. Letting out a loud yell, I fling the smooth stone, sending it skipping along the relatively calm water. I fall to my knees as lightning strikes and large rain drops start to fall. I run both hands through my hair, grabbing it roughly.
    I feel lost. Unsure. I’m not sure how long I’ve been kneeling by the lake, it’s dark and still raining. I’m soaked to the bone, and my legs fell asleep a long time ago. I take a deep breath, trying to cleanse my thoughts.
    I feel her presence before she wraps her arms around me, pulling me into her lap, the warmth of her arms around me, providing the solace I desperately need. I turn my face into her chest, inhaling another deep breath. We sit on the sand, letting the rain continue to soak us to the bone. She tightens her embrace and strokes my back, lightly kissing my temple.
    “Cass,” she whispers lightly, “baby, I’m here for you. I’m not going anywhere.”
    She tightens her embrace, and I look up into her hazel eyes. She leans forward and kisses me gently.
    “I love you, Sabrina.”
    “I love you too, Caston.” Her eyes twinkle and she smiles. She looks a little pale.
    I capture her mouth in mine, sweeping my tongue along her bottom lip, nibbling lightly. We start to deepen the kiss as another large lightning bolt strikes. Sabrina jumps back out of our embrace, clutching her chest. I chuckle as she gives me a look that makes me smirk.
    “This storm is getting bad, Cass. Let’s go back to the house.”
    “Little bit longer, okay? I just can’t go back in there yet.”
    She nods as she let me wrap her in my arms this time. Sabrina strokes the hair on the back of my neck, allowing me time to regain my composure.
    I feel her breathing increase as I lightly nibble on her neck. A shiver runs through her, and I pull her head back to look up at me. “Bre, I need you.”
    Her pale skin flushes as she looks around. “Here, now?”
    I nod. “No one can see us.”
    “But, your dad—”
    I cut her off as I press my mouth to hers. My tongue searches, seeking hers. Shifting her slightly, I reach for the hem of her top and pull it over her head. Unhooking her bra, I pull it down and secure her hands behind her. Her breath catches and a small