It only takes me a few seconds to pull myself together after she draws me into a hug, but the moment helped more than I expected. Behind us, Liam, his cousins, and my brothers have a quick discussion before we go to the station. The entire time, I don’t have to make one decision. I’m not positive that I could, if required to.
I’ve always prided myself on doing well in a crisis, but that’s only when it belongs to someone else. In my current state of shock, following the direction of the people I trust feels a lot safer than being in charge right now. My attention extends to keeping Ruby close by and making the final resolution to file a protective order against Stefan.
Mia gently grabs Ruby’s elbow, guiding her outside.
Blinking up at Liam, he explains, “There’s not a lot of room in your car, so Ruby is going with Mia. Unless you want to leave it here tonight?”
“Oh, uh.” I shake my head and push the keys when he tries to hand them to me. “No, you can drive.”
He raises his eyebrows in surprise. “Calypso, I can ask one of your brothers if you don’t want to leave it.”
More firmly, I close his fist around them. “No, Liam, I want you to drive because I trust you.”
The words settle around us, calming some of the chaotic energy lingering from twenty minutes ago. I’m glad mybrothers were here, as well as security. I actually am. But the only person who I cared to find tonight was Liam. Even in the midst of their confrontation, I felt relieved to have him there, to know he came looking for me.
I never doubted he would, because Liam hasn’t given me a reason to in the last six months—nine, if I count our first night together.
And after tonight, I don’twantto deny that anymore.
With his free hand, he takes mine in his and leads us outside. The night has grown exceptionally long, but when he opens my door and stops me long enough for one passionate, claiming kiss, I don’t feel alone.
Chapter Forty-Two
Calypso
Scrubbing my hands down my face, I wait for Liam to unlock the front door. My cheek stopped stinging a couple of hours ago. We were at the police station for what felt like hours, but it’s not even midnight yet. It couldn’t have been more than three hours.
Everything feelsoff.
At least until Rosie comes running straight toward us as the door opens. She jumps at my legs, begging for attention that I’m all too happy to give her right now.
“Hey, Rosie,” I murmur and scoop her up, holding her tight against my chest.
Liam smiles softly but neither of us says anything. There’s not much to talk about right now. Everything is up to the judge, so we’ll wait to hear back over the next few weeks. It will be their decision if anyone is charged, but I can file a protective order against Stefan now. The officers, and Mia, strongly encouraged me too.
I’ve already made up my mind and admitted to Liam I should have done it sooner. Those words were hard to get out but it felt important. He quickly quieted my anxieties, reminding me that none of this is my fault. I know that. Maybe I shouldn’t have slapped Stefan, but he certainlyshould not have kissed me. Now, all I want is as much space from him as possible.
Ruby didn’t make a decision, at least not while we were there. I offered to get her a hotel room in Aurora Hills, or to stay with my mom or me. She declined but accepted Mia’s help. It stung but that’s not fair to put on Ruby; it has to be weird for the ex-wife to be offering her home and family.
Still, I left Ruby with my business card and let her know the door is always open for her.
It has to be enough.
Setting Rosie down, I follow Liam into the kitchen and accept the glass of water he slides toward me.
“How are you feeling, honey?” His concern wraps around me like an old, favorite sweater.
Shrugging, I admit, “I don’t know. A lot less shaken than earlier, so I feel okay. But I shouldn’t be ‘okay’ after what happened… I don’t know.”
He shakes his head and steps closer, wrapping his large hands around my waist. “You’re allowed to feel whatever you do, Calypso. ‘Fine’ right now doesn’t necessarily mean ‘fine’ later, and that’s okay.”
I nod and twist my hands. “Yeah. I guess so. I’m worried about Ruby.”
“Right now,” he slowly starts, “Mia can do a lot more for her than we can. Let’s hope Ruby comes around and takes your offer.”
I’ve told myself the same thing hundreds of times tonight. I wish we could go back in time and create a different outcome for the evening.
My hand glides up his chest and wraps around the back of his neck. “Can you do me a favor?”
