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“He’s just trying to keep you safe.” I can’t believe I’m defending that idiot.
“Yeah, well, that stinks, ’cause I was supposed to go to Jackie’s party yesterday and Dad said no. He didn’t even tell me why!”
“Well, you’re out in the park now with your friends, so that’s good.”
“Mm-hmm.” She narrows her eyes and purses her lips. “Whose side are you on, anyway?”
My laughter falls freely. “On yours. Of course. I’m just helping you see both sides of this situation.”
“I don’t like both sides. I just like mine.” She crosses her arms over her chest. “I should go.” She sighs. “Before Mabel catches me and tells Daddy, then I’ll be locked away in my room like Rapunzel.”
“Before you go, I have something for you.”
Her eyes grow with excitement as I reach inside my pocket and retrieve a black jewelry box.
“A present? For me?” Her lashes bat.
“Well, you did say we’re friends. So I figured I’d get you something.” I open the box, and a small pink heart-shaped ring grabs her attention.
Her gaze is radiant, her mouth widening. “It’s so sparkly! Can I put it on?”
“Sure.” I remove it and slip it on her middle finger. “It looked like something you’d like.”
She stares at it with awe. “This is my favorite present. Thank you, Andy.”
“You remembered my name.”
“Of course I did, silly. I remember all my friends’ names.” She starts away from me, but as she goes, she glances back. “My birthday party is coming up soon. Maybe you can come?”
Doubt that’s ever gonna happen, but I don’t want to ruin the kid’s day.
“Maybe. Thanks for the invite.”
“You’re welcome. I’ll see you. Bye!” She gives me a big wave before she skips down the hill and back to her friends, who were too busy running around to notice she was gone for a few minutes.
I watch her for a few more minutes before I head back out, needing to return to Kayla. Her wound is getting better, but the fact that she has it? Fuck, the rage in me can’t be stilled.
My desire for vengeance knows no bounds, not when it comes to her.
And when I find the people responsible, they will not be spared. They will know what true evil looks like, and it’ll be my face they see last.
KAYLA
FIVE DAYS LATER
Adriel makes us dinner in his kitchen, his bare back the only view I care about. His muscles, tanned and ripped, have me shifting uncomfortably in my seat. It’s still a strange feeling to want him as I do after everything I’ve been through. But I can’t deny that what I want and need is him.
A has been nothing but kind and warm and sweet to me in these last few days. With each passing day, we’ve grown closer while I’ve been healing, mentally and physically. I didn’t realize how much what happened really affected me, not until he made me talk about it. Late nights were spent in each other’s arms while he listened and let me cry and held me as I did.
He did let me out of the basement the day after he brought me there. He knew I wasn’t running. I no longer wanted to. Being with Adriel is the safest I’ve ever felt. With him, I know that I have someone who’s always watching my back. That the killer won’t get me here.
I wish I could stay with him forever, but I know I can’t.
With my new bodyguard on my tail, staying here long term is impossible. If Michael finds out he’s Chris, he’ll kill him. I’d never let that happen.
But I can’t go back home either. It’s been tainted, the rotting smell of what was done polluting the space.
I don’t know where I’ll go. Maybe I can spring some of my cash from work for a hotel room on a more long-term basis. Nothing fancy. Something cheap and livable. Then I can look for a placeto rent. I can’t have Michael or anyone getting me another home. That wouldn’t be right.
