She handed me her phone. There were over a dozen unanswered messages from unknown numbers. They were mostly unthreatening—vagueWe see youtoWe’ll get youbut this latest message, I nearly crushed her phone in my hand.
Unknown: You can’t hide from me, Violet. I’ve always wanted you. Why do you think that pipe burst? You’re mine and now that the ice freak is out of the way, nothing can stop me. I’ll have you soon.
I read and reread that message five times before I looked up to find her curled up with her knees to her chest. The last time I saw her looking like this was the night that fucking creep spiked her drink.
“Did they know?” she whispered. “Did they know thatthe incidentwould give certain people powers? Did they flood the cottage so I would be home for it?” Her eyes met mine, blood shot with tears streaming out. “Have they been following me this whole time?”
“I don’t know. But we’ll figure it out. Together. I promise.”
I pulled her into my chest. She was shaking. I would kill every single member of whatever organization this was for scaring my girl. Every. Single. Member.
She nodded, uncoiling herself to wrap around me.
“It’s different from the rest. It was alwayswe, now it’sI. What do you think that means?”
Her hair was up in a loose, messy bun from the bath. I wanted to pull it free so I could run my fingers through it, but she’d be annoyed about putting it back up to sleep, so I settled for threading my fingers through the hair above her nape. She relaxed a bit more with my touch.
“One person is at the top of my list, the rest will follow.”
I felt her smile, her arms squeezing a bit tighter.
“You’d kill for me?”
I kissed the top of her head. “Unless you want to do it yourself. In that case, I’ll stand guard.”
She pulled back slightly, grinning. Good, I couldn’t handle the sad look on her face. I would do anything to never see it again.
“You’d really stand by? Let me fight my own battles?”
“I’ll stand beside and behind you, but never in front. You know what’s best for you and I’ll never stand in the way of that. At least going forward. I learned my lesson.”
Her smile was so fucking bright. So fucking beautiful. I would kill for her, maim for her, but most importantly, I wouldlivefor her.
I would doanythingfor her and that brilliant smile.
“I love you.”
I placed a gentle kiss on her lips. “I love you.”
“Good. Now, I seem to remember a promise. Something about a movie and cuddles.”
“Yes, but first a very important question.” I paused for dramatic effect. “Popcorn or ice cream?”
She laughed. “I guess that depends on what movie we’re watching… I’m feeling heist-y. What do you think?”
I was hoping she’d say that.
“Perfect. So?”
“Popcorn. Extra butter!”
“You’re coming with me.” I took her phone and left it on the nightstand before picking her up and throwing her over my shoulder. “I can’t stand to have you out of my sights for another second.”
She erupted in giggles. Fucking music to my ears.
“I can walk! Let me go!”
“Never.”
