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“I can imagine that was a pretty big shock,” I chuckle, knowing damn well that’s some earth-moving news.
She nods her head with a smile. “Especially since they tried for kids for years and were told it was never going to happen. And boy was I spoiled because of it. I had everything you could think of as a kid and went on more vacations in one year than most people go in ten. Although, that probably had more to do with the fact that they both retired when I was around five or six. My bedroom looked like a Disney princess waved a magic wand and covered the place in pink glitter.” Her smile is so big and beautiful as she remembers what sounds to be an amazing childhood. But a frown replaces it quickly. “But that’s why I couldn’t go to them. They’re pretty old now and I didn’t want that kind of stress near them. I won’t even tell them where I am exactly in case,HE,”she hisses that out like a curse, “harasses them. I figured the safest thing would be for me to go somewhere alone.”
“Have you been able to talk to them?” I ask gently.
Her eyes have a faraway look to them. “Yes, I bought a cheap, disposable phone that I turn on to contact them, and after I do, I promptly turn it off so that it can’t be tracked. I check it for messages every couple of days.”
All the hairs on the back of my neck are standing. You don’t go through all of that trouble without a reason. “Sprite, why would you need to do all of that?” I make sure my tone is even and calm, even as my insides are boiling.
“He works for a big tech company. He always bragged about how he always knew where I was and what I was doing. That’s why I left everything behind when I ran. I was afraid he had somehow put a tracking device into my shoes.” She gives me an embarrassed look. “I’m sure that my mind was just over imaginative, but I didn’t want to take any chances. And the only way I actually “see” my parents now is through social media. I created a fake account and told my mom to leave everything public so that I could look at it without giving away my location.”
“But they never get to see you,” I state.
“No, never. It’s safer that way,” her whispered words are so broken that something in me snaps.
“All right, that’s it. Get up and get dressed. We’re heading to my office for the day.” I pick her up and place her on the couch before I stand and hold my hand out to her.
She’s looking at me as though I’ve lost my mind. Which is true, I have, but over her and nothing else. “Um, why?” She keeps blinking and looking at me in utter confusion.
“I know Edge gave you the day off.” I may have had something to do with that, but she doesn’t need to know that. “And I saw you brought a bag with you that I presume has a change of clothes in it.” I raise an eyebrow as I smirk at her rapidly reddening face.
“I brought clothes in case I made a mess of myself,” she mutters.
“Welp, I guess it’s a good thing I got you an apron. Now you have a fresh set of clothes for the day.” I didn’t think it was possible but, she turns even redder.
She nods before shaking her head. “That doesn’t explain why we’re going to your office. I could just stay here and continue to cook and bake.” Her eyes go wide. “Oh, I mean, unless you don’t want me to be alone in your house. I shouldn’t have assumed that.” She bites her bottom lip looking up at me in apology.
She truly has no idea that she could burn this place down after snooping through everything and, I wouldn’t give a fuck. I lean over her and bring my face close to hers, so close that the tips of our noses are almost touching. “Cadie, you can stay here as long as you want, I don’t care. You are more than welcome to anything in this house. But you’re coming with me today because you’re going to like what I have in store for you.”
She’s breathing rapidly, her chest bouncing up and down, making it hard to keep myself in check. “And what’s that?” She licks her lips almost touching mine as she does.
Not now man, we have a goal today and this isn’t it. Well, maybe later, but right now keep your head straight.
I back away and stand at my full height. “We’re going to do a video call with your parents so that they can see you and you can see them.”
Her eyes bug from her head. “We can’t!” she squawks. “I just told you why!” Her eyes are taking on a panicked look.
I lean in close again. “Cadie, this is the type of shit I do for a living. Trust me, Darlin’; I’ve got you.”
I back away and hold out my hand. She has to come to me; she needs to be able to make this decision herself, to take back control over every aspect of her own life.
She remains frozen in place, but I can see her mind working double time. I stand still with my hand out to her for what feels like hours, but in reality, is only a few moments. I don’t even take a breath until she places her small hand in mine with a small smile. “Okay, I’ll trust you,” she whispers, but to me it’s loud and clear; I have her trust, now to prove that I deserve it.
An Hour Later:
We pull up to my office after an almost silent drive. Not that I minded; she needed the time to process everything and become okay with it. I want her to know that she made this decision, that she wasn’t forced into it. Sure, I may have prodded a bit, but if she’d said no, that’s what it would’ve been. But I hope deep down she knows I just want what’s best for her. And I truly believe actually seeing her parents while speaking to them will help heal a part of her that she hasn’t been able to.
She looks around while I park and gives me a frown. “You said that you own a security company, not a garage.” Her tone holds an accusatory note in it, but I don’t blame her. It does seem odd.
“Xander and his brother Jax own the garage, my office is next door. Everyone who works for us is part of the club and we decided to keep us all together,” I explain. “I don’t like having people around me I don’t trust.”
She nods slowly. “I can understand that.” Yeah, she’s someone who definitely can. Her head tilts as she gives me the cutest damn look. Her lips are pouting and her eyes questioning. “Xander?” She taps her index finger on her lips. “Isn’t that the guy who annoys Kealy?”
I bark out a laugh making her jump. “One and the same.”
“Hmmm,” she hums before looking at me with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “Does he realize how close he is to being poisoned by a pissed off pregnant woman and her older accomplice?”
I give her an incredulous look. “Kealy would never kill him. Dee, sure, I can see that, but not Kea.”
