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“Of what? Me? I’d cut off my arm before I hurt her or Mari.”
“I know that. She knows that. She’s scared of you getting hurt. Please just go for tonight. She needs some time. Give it to her.”
“I don’t want to leave, Sharon. I know she’s pushing me away because you’re right, she’s scared, but I’m trained to protect her.”
“Please,” she says softly, and I nod. I grab my coat off the peg and look around the room. The home I was building with her and Mari. I grab a picture off the hall table of the three of us at Asher and November’s pool party earlier this summer. I clutch it to my chest and walk out the door.
When I pull up to my property, I take it all in. Maybe what I need to do is make a home for her so she’ll see how serious I am. As I walk around, I dial my dad.
“Hey, kiddo.”
“Hey, Pops.”
“What’s a matter? Did Sydney and you get in a fight?”
I swallow the lump in my throat as I think about what he said.
“Nope, not a fight. She needs some time.”
“Time? What’s that mean?”
“Someone left a stuffed animal rhino with blood all over it on her front porch.”
“What the fuck? I’m on my way.”
“She wouldn’t explain what it meant and asked me and everyone who was there to help her to leave. She’s having her attorneys take care of it.”
“Son, you listen and you listen good. Don’t let that woman go. There is something in her past that she is pushing you away from. I know she’s doing it to protect you, but she doesn’t realize you are a badass and will protect them. Don’t let her do it.”
“She won’t tell me what’s going on. I can’t help her if she won’t tell me.”
“Didn’t you say Carter works with a couple of hackers?”
“Fuck. You’re right. Give me a bit.” I hang up with him and dial Carter.
“Hey, hey, Tuck, my man. Still hanging a little to the right.” Carter’s accent comes across the line.
“No, dude.” I try to chuckle but he clues in instantly.
“Your girl?”
“Yeah. How soon can you be here?”
“I’ll be there within the week. I’ll have my guys do a search for her.”
“Okay.” I hang up feeling better.
Walking back to my truck, I decide to head to the clubhouse and get my bike. I’m going to be keeping an eye on my girl.
CHAPTER10
SYDNEY
Nine days. That’s how long it’s been since I’ve seen Tucker. Since he’s held me. He texts me twice a day though. Every morning he asks how I slept; I don’t tell him that I couldn’t. Every night he texts me goodnight. I want to tell him I love him. I want to tell him I’m sorry, but I can’t. I know this is for the best. This is what I need to do. I need to keep him away, but I’ll get to see him in two days for Mari’s birthday party. I couldn’t not have him come. She misses him just as much as he misses her. His texts ask about her too. Kiss her good night, he says.
I move toward my new Audi SUV. I had been driving his truck and didn’t go get me a new car. But after I made him leave, I got myself the small SUV. I slide into the driver’s seat and head out to the party store to grab some things for Mari’s birthday party.
My trip inside shouldn’t take me long because I know exactly what I need. I move up and down the aisles until I get to the decorations I want. I decided a princess theme would be fun, and I even got her a little tutu outfit to wear. My mom is watching Mari for a few hours so I can get this shopping done. After I pay the cashier, I head out to my car. As I round the hood, I see an envelope on the windshield. The hair on the back of my neck rises, and I look around feeling like someone is watching me.
