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That statement did nothing to ease my worry, and if anything only made it worse. I knew Evan wouldn't keep anything from me unless it was absolutely necessary, and that fact terrified me more than anything else.
“What is that supposed to mean?”
“I’m okay, Mariah,” he said, though his next words did little to assuage my fears. “We made it out, but there was an explosion.”
“An explosion?” I sank down on the floor, clutching the phone so tightly my fingers ached.
There was an edge to his tone I’d never heard before. “Tomas tried to kill us. It's not just a custody battle anymore—he's ready to commit murder to get what he wants. Hell, he already has. Too many times.”
“God, Evan,” I said, barely able to process what he was saying. “And you expect me to believe you’re okay?”
“All of our men got out in time,” he said. “But some of Tomas’s own men weren't so lucky. Apparently, anyone and everyone is disposable.” He sighed heavily, and I could practically see him moving his hand through his hair. “There’s more, but I want to wait before going into it. Rosalind just arrived at the hospital, and she's with Porter now. He’ll be okay, but I’m going to stay here until he’s released so I can get them both somewhere safe.”
Which meant he didn’t know how long it’d be until he could come home.
“Be careful,” I whispered, my throat constricting. “Please, just come home safely to me.”
“I swear on my life,” he vowed. “I need to go take care of a few things right now, but please try not to worry. I’ll be home soon. And Mariah?”
“Yes?”
“I love you.”
“I love you, too.” But Evan had already ended the call, leaving me shellshocked.
I pulled my knees to my chest, my mind racing, my stomach twisting into knots. What was so terrible Evan couldn't even tell me over the phone? And how long would it be until he came back?
The following days were agonizing for Abi and me, our nerves frayed, minds consumed by worry. Evan made sure to check in with us regularly, but it was clear that nothing would truly set us at ease until he and Sebastian were home safe.
As the third day came to an end, Evan let me know they were leaving and would be home that night. I could barely focus on dinner and getting Sofia bathed and put to bed, anxious to see Evan and find out what really happened in Atlantic City.
I was standing on the porch when the car pulled into the drive. Evan climbed from the SUV, Sebastian by his side, and I ran down to meet them.
"Mariah!" Evan called out, throwing open the door and jumping out before the vehicle even came to a complete stop.
I nearly stumbled over my own feet in the attempt, but in the next heartbeat, I threw myself into his arms, my body trembling as I clung to him. He wrapped his arms around me and held me tightly, like he never wanted to let go. His heart pounded when I rested my head on his chest, his protective instincts seeming to flare to life as he breathed in my familiar scent and held me even closer.
“God, it’s good to hold you,” he said. “I never want to be away from you again.”
I pulled back, looking him over, needing to see for myself that he really was okay.
“See, I told you I’m okay,” he said, pressing a gentle kiss to my forehead. “I came back to you, just like I promised.”
It was only then that I allowed myself to relax, though just slightly. I was so wrapped up in being back together that I didn’t even notice there was someone else climbing out of the vehicle with Sebastian. Sebastian gave me a reassuring smile, his own relief apparent in his expression, but it was the other figure that had me turning from Evan.
“Jax,” I said, gasping as he stepped down from the SUV. Even from this distance, I could see the exhaustion etched across his face, and when he began limping toward us, I couldn’t help but pull myself from Evan’s embrace and run toward him.
My face fell as I approached and really took him in. He was bruised, having clearly been beaten, and there was a nasty gash on his forehead.
“Oh, Jax.” I reached up, my fingers hovering over the stitches before I pulled my hand back. “You look terrible. What happened to you?”
He offered me a sheepish smile—one that didn't reach his eyes. “I guess I’ve been better, love, but don’t worry about me. I’ll survive.”
My eyes filled with tears, and before I knew it, they were overflowing, streaming down my face. Guilt nearly overwhelmed me. “I’m so sorry. I never should have asked you to get involved in this.”
“Asked me?” He chuckled softly, pulling me into a one-armed hug and squeezing my shoulder gently. “How many times do I have to tell you? I’d do anything for you, love. You have nothing to feel guilty about. I made my own choices, and I’m still standing.”
“Come on,” Evan said, appearing beside me and gripping my elbow, pulling me back to his side. “Let's go inside and catch everyone up on what happened.”
