Peter sighed, nodding. “That is a concern. Once you’re better, you can bid for a contract to work on the Complex’s Deep Echo Fire Department for three years to cover the cost. That’s a high security area with no access to the outside. Your necessities will be covered.”

“So that’s the catch. I’m healed or at least better, but I’m out of your way for three years.”

“Not out of the way. You’ll both work for the Complex. You’ll be in a restricted area undergoing controlled tests, so there’s that small detail.”

“And Naomi is security, so she’ll have access.”

“Her clearance runs up to Deep Echo.”

“What is that? You keep mentioning it.”

“Where you’ll be.”

I swallowed. I didn’t wake up thinking I’d be doing a deal with the Devil.

“But you’ll be healed, ideally in a handful of weeks. Heart condition gone. You won’t just be better, you’ll be better than before.”

I grit my teeth. “Naomi’s done with you, Peter.”

“Maybe. Maybe not.”

“If you’re lying to me…”

“Naomi would never forgive me.”

I shook my head. “No. No fucking way. You don’t give a shit about me, Peter, and you’ll never convince me you do. I don’t think you truly love her either. She’s going to owe you something after this, right? That’s what you want, isn’t it? You think I’d ever want to do that to her?”

“It’s true. I don’t care for you, and I’m totally indifferent to your state of well-being. But Naomi won’t speak to me. She blames me for your split—I suppose rightfully so. I’ve tried everything else. This is a last-ditch effort for me, absolutely. I’m attempting to get back into her good graces again, and that’s the truth.”

“The truth. You think I’d believe anything that comes out of your mouth?”

“You don’t have that luxury. The offer is on the table now. Once I leave, it’s rescinded.”

Shaking with anger I looked away, fantasizing that I had the strength to tackle him to the ground and beat the shit out of him. Naomi was the toughest woman I knew, but if I wanted to be with her, I couldn’t put her through another funeral. She deserved better.

Peter’s offer felt like the only way. After talking to my doctors, ironically it was Peter who offered me any hope. I didn’t want to sit at home, missing Naomi, waiting to die. The only thing I wanted more than to be with Naomi was to protect her the only way I was able and stay away.

“If I said yes, what’s the plan?” I asked.