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She sighs. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”
“Love me forever,” I quip, and she rolls her eyes.
Bending, she gives me another hug. “I’ll be back later.”
“Tell your mom I said hello,” I shout at her retreating form.
My door opens almost instantly after Shay leaves. Lev’s standing in the doorframe. “Do you need anything?”
I smile when he strides across the room, then lifts my chin, ghosting a kiss on my lips. “I’m okay.”
Lev peers into my eyes a moment longer before standing. “We’re going to head out for a bit. Thomas, Fernando, Reign, and Elias are here if you need anything.”
“Be safe,” I demand.
“We will. Just following up on a lead,” he explains, running his knuckle along my jaw. Then he gives me another once over before he leaves.
I wait at least thirty minutes before I move from my bed and enter my closet.
Stepping inside, I lock the door behind me, then head for the safe. When I moved in, the safe was a hidden place to keep the cell phone hidden.
I place my palm over the panel, disengaging the lock before reaching for the burner inside and powering it on. Then, I listen out for any signs someone is coming as I put in a new SIM card. Once the phone is set, I waste no more time and shoot off a text.
Me: I need to meet.
It doesn’t take long before the chat bubble indicates they’re typing.
Unknown: Are you sure? I’m sure the Heirs will want to keep a closer eye on you.
She’s right.
Reaching into my pocket, I pull out my cell and dial.
“Ry! Is everything okay? I heard about the car chase. Are you hurt?” My dad bombards me with a rapid-fire of questions.
“I’m fine. Not a hair on my head out of place,” I tell him. “But listen, Dad, I need you to pick me up.”
I hold my breath, waiting for his response. He’s the only one that can get me out of this house.
“Absolutely not! Did you forget someone tried to kill you today?” he questions, and chills run up my spine.
Like I could forget.
My shoulders drop. I need to have this conversation, but I can’t tell him why I need to leave.
“I just need to?—”
“The answer is no, Ariah,” he exclaims, cutting me off. “It’s too dangerous for you to leave. As a matter of fact, I’m going to contact Dr. Jaffri and have the rest of your visits take place at your house.”
“Didn’t we have this conversation?” I shout, my aggravation at being spoken about like I’m not in the room boiling over. “I need to be part of these decisions.”
“Ariah, there will be times when you won’t be—can’t be consulted,” he replies tersely. “
Sighing, I retort, “Dad, I understand all of that, but in instances like this, I can and should be consulted.”
There’s a long stretch of silence. I let the pregnant pause linger because I refuse to back down. They’re smothering me, and I need them all to see me as an equal in this.
My dad huffs before he finally speaks. “You’re right, Ry. You should be consulted, especially as it pertains to your prenatal care. What would you like to do?”
