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Angel opens the door to a crisp-white bedroom, clearly barely used, then spins to face us. “There’s a bathroom throughthere.” She points toward a closed door. “And I can get a crib pulled in for Mia, if you’d like her in here too?”
Stepping forward, I hold my arms out to take Mia from her. “I’ll stay with them both.”
She gives her a soft kiss on her head, then hands her over. “I’ll go and see if there’s any news.”
She turns to leave the room but before she can, Jace speaks up. “Angel.” She stops at the door to face him. “Thank you for everything.” The emotion in his voice is evident.
“You’re welcome. I hope once all this is over, we can stay in contact. I’m kind of fond of your little one.” She smiles toward Mia, and I choke on a sardonic laugh.
If only she knew how much her family is determined to keep us apart. Annoyance rumbles inside me once again as I drag a hand through my hair, awkwardly glancing toward Jace and Lucas for some guidance of how to respond, but with their eyes wide, it’s clear they have no idea how to respond either.
Her stare darts from one to the other, then her eyes narrow. “I’m missing something here, aren’t I?” My mouth dries as I open it to lie once again. No matter how much the lies burn on my tongue, even worse, they burn my heart too.
But Lucas steps in before I can respond. “If you could check if there’s news, that would be great, thank you.” I wince at his rudeness and the way he blew over her question.
She stands still, staring back at him before releasing a loud huff. “Fine, but one day, I’ll get your secrets out of you.” Her smile splits her face as she turns the atmosphere from frosty to playful in an instant, then she slips through the door, shutting it with a soft click.
Lucas slides down the wall, landing on his ass, then drops his head into his hands. “I need her.” He tugs on his hair. “I fucking need her back here.”
I swallow past the lump in my throat at seeing his distressed state. “They got Harper out, Lucas. She’s coming home, I know she is.”
Lucas’s dark eyes snap up to mine and fill me with fear. “And what state do you think she’s going to come back in, Cole?” Terror washes over me. Does he know something I don’t? A deep-seated pit of dread takes residence in my stomach.
Just what the fuck is she going through?
And what the hell does Lucas know?
Chapter
Five
TIA
My footing wavers on the accelerator as I approach the gates of a luxurious housing estate. The guy at the security gate waves me through with a welcoming smile, as if I’m some long-lost family member but scoff at the notion before continuing on.
The estate is beautiful, with large houses set back in their own private grounds. Trees line the driveway at what I can only describe as a picturesque, idyllic way of living.
My body continues to vibrate with the aftereffects of my trauma, and I want nothing more than to drown my body in bleach and burn away their touch. A flash of nausea hits me, and I swallow it down with a whimper while the SUV comes to a stop outside a house. I wasn’t even aware I’d approached.
Movement at the door catches my attention, and when I register that it’s Cole and Lucas rushing down the stone steps, I burst into uncontrollable sobs as I fumble with the door handle, eager to get out of the car.
The door is yanked open, and Jace lunges forward, scooping me into his arms like a child, and I allow it. I accept it because it’s what I want more than anything.
My body aches with each movement, touching me as if disbelieving I’m here. “Thank fuck, baby.” Jace cries into my neck, and I cling to him tighter.
“Harp-p-per?” I mumble through tears.
“She’s fine, baby. I swear, she’s absolutely fucking fine.”
“Let me see her, Jace.” Cole’s concerned voice breaks through the moment, and when I turn to face him, his face pales. “What the fuck did they do to you?” His jaw tightens as his searing gaze travels over me. I squeeze my eyes closed at the impact of his stare, unable to take in the look of horror on his face.
Does he see it?
The cum coating my skin? The cuts and bruises evidence of their assault. Does he see them?
My lungs struggle for air as the immense pressure of the past twenty-four hours takes its toll on me.
In Jace’s arms, I’m safe, but in my mind, I’m riddled with the fear they instilled in me with their actions.
