“We can peek in, but don’t wake her.”
“Costin… we promised.”
“To stop hiding things from her; I know, but she just got back, and we have no idea what’s going on. Let her sleep, and we will fill her in later if this turns into anything. Why wake her just to sit here and worry?”
I tie my shoes and stand, stretching. We cross to her door and creep over to her bed, watching them sleep. Lucky bastard is wrapped around her like he’s afraid someone will steal her away in the night. Can’t say I blame him.
“Jaxx,” I whisper, pinching him hard under his arm.
His eyes snap open while he pulls his Glock from the nightstand, leveling it on my chest in the blink of an eye.
“Fuck, man. On edge?” Abel laughs as Jaxx lowers the weapon, tucking it away.
“With her safety, yes.” He tugs the blanket up around her shoulders, “Why are you two here?”
“Andrew needs us. Immediately.” I motion to the door.
She stirs, and he runs his hand up and down her back soothingly, “It’s okay, baby. Go back to sleep.”
What. The. Fuck?
He slides out of the bed carefully, looking back at her sleeping form. “I told her I wouldn’t leave without letting her know.”
“So write her a note. We have to head down before Andrew comes looking for us.” I toss him a notebook and pen from his desk.
“Okay. I need to get her a new phone.” He scribbles out a quick note and sets the notebook on his pillow. Then, we follow him into the hallway.
“Baby?” I mock, “Really?”
“Don’t fucking start with me, Costin. She might be back, but she’s not back. I’m doing everything I can, but sounding like a fucking pervert by calling her Munchkin while we are engaged didn’t seem like the best move.”
“I hate this,” I seethe.
“Well, get over it. We have bigger issues.” Abel walks ahead of us. “Douglass Laporte’s home was broken into a few hours ago. We don’t know why, but-“
“About fucking time! We’re heading out now!” Andrew storms towards us, out the door, and onto his bike. “It’s connected. I know it is.”
“He’s riding?” Jaxx asks, eyes wide.
“He’s doing a lot of things these days, brother.” I shoulder past them and out the door, climbing onto my own bike and pulling out of the circle after Andrew. The faster we find answers, the faster I can get my girl back, and I want her back now.
Chapter Seven
Eliana
Rolling over, I notice the cold bed beside me and sigh. Day one, and I am alone… again. Oh look, a note. Goodie.
Baby, had to help Andrew with something. Not sure what yet, but I promise I will be back as soon as I can. Sorry I didn’t wake you, but you were sleeping so well, and I didn’t want to ruin it. I’ll have a phone for you later today.
I Love you, Jaxx
Well, isn’t that just fantastic. Guess I may as well get up. I dress comfy, forgoing shoes, and head down to the kitchen for a bottle of water.
“Oh, Richard, hey.” I start when I see him in the kitchen.
“You’re back.” He smiles. He really is a handsome man. He and daddy always gather attention from the women at my school. It used to bother me, but not so much now.
“Enjoyed your show, sweet girl.” He tickles my ribs, and I blush.
“Saw that, did ya?”
“Sure did. Care to dance?” he laughs holding out a hand, I place my much smaller hand in his, and he quickly spins me into his body.
“There’s no music, Richard.” I laugh as he sways us from side to side.
“Oh, no? From what I remember, you are pretty fantastic at making your own.” Blushing again, I duck my face into his chest. I always envied Bethany for having such a kind father. Quick with the compliments and warm, this is what I wanted with my dad. What I got was a fucking show.
My lip trembles, and I sniff at the thought. Richard slows the dance and tips my face up to his with a pointer finger under my chin.
“What is it, sweet girl?”
“I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I’m okay, just- never mind.” I step back and grab a water from the fridge.
“Eliana, you know you can talk to me, right? You can trust me.”
“It’s not that. It’s just…” I sigh. “Richard, do you ever feel like you are missing something? Like something big is happening right in front of you, but you are the only one who doesn’t see it?” I ask, watching his reaction closely for deceit.
“Sweet girl.” He hugs me tightly. “Sometimes, people are just trying to protect you.” I start to speak, but he shakes his head. “I have kept quiet for a while now, but with Bethany missing, I am really worried about you. I don’t think you have been properly looked after lately. I stayed behind when I noticed everyone we trust leaving. I don’t think you should be alone here.”
“Everyone is gone?” Now that he mentions it, the house is unusually quiet.
“Yes, and you just proved my point. You had no idea you were alone. What if someone were to come in here and…” He shivers. “Anyways, sweet girl, I think you should come stay with me at the beach house for a while, make sure you are protected until all of this passes. I can help them keep you safe.”
“Thank you for the offer, Richard.” I hesitate but smile. The guys would freak if I went anywhere, even with Richard. “I’m okay, really. I left because I wanted to. I was angry, not scared.” I squeeze his hand, hoping it reassures him.
“Ah, before I forget,” he pulls a small box from his pocket, handing it to me. Oh, I love Richard presents!
“Richard.” I gasp as he places the small box in my hand.
“Wait just a second, sweet girl. It’s not what you think.”
“It’s not?”
“No, sit down.” He guides me to a bar stool. Sitting down on the one beside me, he turns me to face him, placing my knees between his, and my stomach drops. This can’t be good.
“You’re scaring me, Richard.”
“I know,” he huffs. “I’ve waited too long, I fear, but with what your father did to you after the… accident. I didn’t have much of a choice. I knew you would want this, and I’m hoping it doesn’t set you back. I had to pull a lot of strings to get you some of his ashes and-“
“His ashes?” I rip the lid off of the box and pick up the small heart shaped pendent with angel wings wrapped around its edges. Releasing a sob, I read the inscription. “’She used to be my Angel, but now I’m hers.’ Oh God.” I clutch it to my chest, falling forward and landing in Richard’s arms, releasing a wail only comparable to those ripped from me that night.
“Oh, Sweet Girl, I’m sorry. I’m so sorry. Maybe I was wrong? I fought them on it. I really thought you would want it, and I knew-” He reaches for the tiny urn, and I pull back.
“No, Richard, no. It’s okay. I’m okay. I just didn’t expect it, and the inscription, it’s perfect… it just hurts, ya know? Thank you so much for doing this for me. For fighting for me.” I sniffle, attempting to compose myself.