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Taking several deep breaths to calm myself, I look around once more before deciding it’s safe enough to move and yanking Avamarie to her feet. “Come on, firecracker, we need to move.Now.” She stumbles behind me as I drag her by the hand, swinging my head to ensure there are no other threats.
Once we reach my car, I help her inside before jogging around and jumping into the driver's seat. Throwing the vehicle into reverse, I press the voice command button. “Call Andrew.” I demand.
The robotic voice replies, “Calling Andrew.”
My fingers strum on the steering wheel as the line rings. “Come on come on. Pick up the goddamn phone.” I mutter under my breath, glancing in the rearview mirror.
On the fifth ring, Andrew’s voice fills the car. “Hey man, now’s not a goo-”
“He tried to kill her.” I snap, cutting him off.
The line goes silent before I hear a door click shut. “What? Kill who?” Andrew asks, his voice hushed.
“Who the fuck do you think?” I growl, glancing over at Avamarie’s pale face beside me.
Andrew sighs. “Shit. Okay. Are we still thinking it’s Charles?” I can almost hear the wheels turning in his head and I find myself grateful for him. He’s the closest thing I have to calling a friend and the only one I trust with the safety of my girl.
Arriana’s face pops into my brain and I grudgingly admit to myself I would trust her life to the psychotic woman as well.
Shoving away the thought, I answer, “Can’t think of anyone else who would want me dead.” I see Avamarie shift in her seat out of the corner of my eye and move my hand to her thigh. Covering her leg, I squeeze before continuing. “Or willing to go to this length to hurt me.”
Andrew hums his agreement. “Yeah, you’re right. Okay, are you safe now?”
I glance in the mirror again and press my foot down harder on the gas. “Not yet but about to be. Heading back to my place now.”
“Got it.” Andrew’s voice grows distant and the sound of tapping comes through the line. “I’ve texted Arriana to meet us there. I’m heading that way now, shouldn’t be more than fifteen minutes.”
I suppress a sigh at the realization I’m going to have all these fucking children in my house at one time. If Avamarie’s life wasn’t at stake, it might be worth it just to take my chanceswith the men Charles has sicced on me so I could avoid the catastrophe this promises to be.
I disconnect the call and turn my attention toward my little girl cowering in her seat. “It’s gonna be okay, baby girl. I promise.” Lifting my hand, I gently rub her cheek before moving my hand back to her thigh. She takes a shaky breath and nods, turning her head toward the window.
My heart aches as I watch her, the tension heavy in her shoulders as they shake with her stuttered breaths.
This is my fault. But it won't be a problem for long. Charles fucked with the wrong man.
Andno onegoes after what’s mine.
“You gonna open up or what?”
I sigh heavily as I make my way toward the sound of Arriana shouting. IknewI should have paid to get the elevator reinforced. The decision not to do so is haunting me in more ways than one at the moment as the crazy woman continues yelling.
“Helloooooo? Anyone home?” It’s quiet for one blessed second before I hear, “Wait, I hope you guys aren’t dead already!” Something else is said but it’s too muffled by the doors to make out, even as I get close enough to push the button.
When the doors slide open I’m met with a foot flying through the air. I lift my hand up and grab hold of Arriana’s ankle, stopping her just short of kicking my skull in. She freezes, wide eyed as she takes me in before bursting out in laughter. “Oh good, you’re not dead.” Tugging her leg out of my grasp, she rights herself before sauntering inside like nothing out of the ordinary just happened.
I grab the bridge of my nose and exhale heavily. When I look up I find Andrew looking back at me with an apologetic expression. Shaking my head, I turn around before he can say anything.
I look up just in time to see Avamarie leap from her seat on the couch. “Uh uh.” She snaps, shaking her head. Turning her attention to me, she throws her arm out in Arriana’s direction. “No fucking way. Get her out of here.”
Running my hand down my face, I make my way toward Avamarie. “I’m sorry baby girl but she needs to stay.”
Avamarie shakes her head, eyes glistening. “I can’t be around her Killian.” She whispers, looking up at me, her voice cracking. “Every time I look at her,” Her eyes dart to Arriana and back. “All I can think about is that night.” A sharp pain stabs my chest at the reminder.
Am I ever going to get past this? Is she?
Avamarie leans forward and wraps her arms around my waist, tucking her head into me as she murmurs, “I don’t want to go back to that. I like us the way we are now.” Leaning back, she blinks up at me, her hazel eyes pleading as she begs, “Please Killian?”
I groan and pull her closer into me, nuzzling her head with my chin. “I’m sorry. I wish things were different but we need her here.”
