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“I don’t think that’s true, Aidan. Your father loves you.”
He shrugged, pulling me back into his embrace. “I just want a while longer before we go back to that mess.”
“CPS is supposed to be coming…” I started, but he shot me a warning look. “Okay,” I conceded, leaning into him. I felt guilty, but I also had to be selfish with my time with him. After today, I had no idea what was going to happen. I might never see him again.
Was that what he was counting on? Was that why he’d slept with me last night?
No.
That couldn’t be true.
He felt like I did… I knew he did.
A little while later, his cellphone started up in his jeans pocket on the floor, and we knew our time here had come to an end.
We showered and dressed, and I tossed Aidan the car keys as he entered the lock code into the front door keypad.
I looked up at the house sadly. It was probably the last time I’d ever come here.
I slipped into the passenger seat as Aidan went around the driver’s side. The bag of weapons he’d been planning on using yesterday was still in the footwell beneath my feet. I shuddered. Last night could have ended very differently.
With one last glance at the house, we started the journey home and I had the overwhelming sense that everything was coming to an end.
* * *
Back at the house, an unfamiliar car was parked in the driveway, and I automatically knew that it belonged to the CPS officers.
“It’s going to be okay, Cait. Whatever happens.” Aidan squeezed my hand and offered me what was supposed to be a comforting smile, but it was more of a grimace.
I nodded silently, but my heart was in my throat. Where would I end up? Would I be shipped off across the country with no connection to the life I once led.
Maybe that would be for the best. A fresh start. A life without crime… but it would also a life without Bree and Aidan, and they were my only connections to my family.
Inside, we found Cullen and Bree in the living room with the two CPS officers. They stood up as we entered, and I felt my cheeks coloring.
Cullen looked furious.
Taking off with Aidan probably hadn’t been the smartest decision. Bree eyed us curiously, looking a little brighter than she had yesterday.
Shit.
If she suspected…
What would it matter? In a few minutes, I’d probably never be able to see her again.
I opened my mouth to speak, but Cullen got there first.
“Cait. I’ve just signed paperwork to say you’re under my care until you’re Eighteen. I hope that’s agreeable for you.” His tone was even, but I could see the anger in his eyes.
What?
I froze.
Stay here…
With Aidan living right down the hall… shit. It really had to be over for us now. Cullen and Bree would freak if they found out… but at least for now, it was comforting that I wouldn’t be ripped away from all that was familiar.
Cullen might have been lost in grief, and angry at us for taking off, but he was still looking after me.
