Page 97 of Hellebore

“My own father—” She repeats but I do not answer. All I can think is I should have made him suffer more. The rage simmers hot beneath my skin, clawing to get out, but I push it down, forcing my arms to stay gentle around her trembling body. She is the only thing that matters. The only light I have ever known. I will carry every piece of her pain until it no longer breaks her. I will burn the rest of the world if I have to.

She looks up at me and I kiss her, holding her closer, wanting to feel the warmth of her body against mine, but my phone pings—the one connected to the cameras in her apartment. I break the kiss and pull the phone out. Briar leans in and I open the feed.

“Oh my God, so many cameras.” She states.

I nod and run through them to see Lucille placing her coat over the chair by the kitchen.

“Lucille.” Briar breathes as she sees her friend.

“What is she doing there?” I ask.

I watch as Lucille takes a glass, fills it with water, and begins watering the plants. Briar smiles softly. “She loves plants, she came to take care of them.”

I nod and turn the feed off. I kiss her lips gently again, my eyes meeting hers. “I will find them all. I am not done.”

“I know.” She smiles gently against my mouth.

I brush a tear away with my thumb before easing her onto the black couch. When she’s settled beneath the blanket, I rise to my feet. “I’ll get you some water.” I need to leave her for a minute to gather my thoughts.

She gives me a soft smile and curls up on the couch. I walk toward the kitchen and stop by the counter, gripping the edge until my knuckles turn white.

I cannot see her like this. I need to find the other two. The ones who paid her father.

If Archibald was capable of selling his own daughter, then she has never been safe.

She isn’t safe with anyone but me.

No one can protect her like I can.

No one ever will.

Ping.

I take a deep breath and welcome the distraction. Probably Lucille leaving the apartment, but I check the cameras just to be sure. It is not Lucille. Two men are inside the apartment. All in black with ski masks.

Fuck.

I run, grabbing my other phone and calling Easton. He picks up on the first ring.

“Where are you?” I ask.

“In town near—” He replies, but I do not let him finish.

“Go to Briar’s apartment. Lucille is there and two men just walked in.” I pass by Briar, grabbing my car keys on the way.

“Where are you going?” She jumps to her feet.

“I need to take care of something. Do not fucking leave,” I warn her and move to the car, slamming the door behind me.

I place the phone on the dashboard and watch as the two men move through the living room. Lucille appears on the feed. I drive through the gate, pressing the pedal to the floor.

I will not make it in time, but maybe the twins will. I call Easton again.

“Five minutes.” Easton’s voice comes through the phone.

“Fuck! They will kill her!” I roar over the engine.

“No—”