“No, Munchkin, never. I’m so sorry. We just wanted you safe. We were wrong.” He pulls her into his chest. “Forgive us, please.”
“You, Jaxx. Out of everyone, I never thought you would abandon me.” She hesitantly wraps her arms around him. “You were always in my corner.”
“I never left. I just made a bad call. I’m here, whatever you need. I’ll do anything.” He steps back, looking her over, brow furrowed, “Are you okay? What are you wearing?”
“I’m fine, and that’s none of your business.” She shoots Abel a pointed look. “I took a break.”
“A break?” I arch a brow, causing her to turn her anger on me. Shit.
“Yes, a break, Costin. I did what you all do every chance you get. I had fun, and I’m not sorry. He… it gave me the time I needed to clear my head. I lost everything-” Her voice breaks, but she closes her eyes, breathing deeply. When she opens them again, her resolve, her strength is practically radiating from them. “I lost everything. Everyone. My whole life, I was a pawn in someone else’s game and didn’t suspect a thing. Never once did the people I loved and trusted the most tell me the truth. So, now is your chance to start fixing this guys. Be honest. What are you hiding from me?” She looks us each in the eyes, one by one.
“Munchkin…” Jaxx hesitates.
“Take me to Isa’s house to get my bike, Abel. We’re done here.” She stomps across the gravel road.
“Puckett is alive, and your father has him in the subbasement!” I shout desperately.
“He what?” She freezes mid-step as Jaxx and Abel curse.
“That’s what you lead with?” Jaxx hisses and then speaks to her. “Let’s back it up a bit, okay? What do you remember about… that night?” he ends softly.
“Everything, Jaxx. I remember every second. Every sound, touch, emotion, pain, taste… I remember everything. Sometimes, I wish I didn’t, but I do. And every time I close my eyes, I live it all over again.” Her chin trembles, and I cross the distance between us in two swift steps, taking her in my arms and kissing her head.
“I fucked up, Princess. I never should have walked away that day,” I whisper, thinking she won’t grasp my full meaning.
“I don’t blame you for not wanting me, Cos. I don’t even want me.” She breathes out, breaking my heart as she steps back. “What else? I know there’s more.”
“There is, but we don’t know much. We’re pretty certain you are still being watched; however, the threat is bigger, wealthier, and smarter than we originally thought. Leads keep turning up dead, and the ones that do live are useless. That’s why we wanted you safe; someone is obviously toying with us,” Jaxx explains, rubbing his neck.
“Uh-huh, great job, guys, really. So what you are saying is you fucked me over for nothing?” she huffs. “How about we try a new approach, just for fun, all right?”
“Which is?” Abel reaches across, poking her side.
“I help you. Tell me what you’re looking for, and I help find it. Hell, I may already know something. No one has ever watched what they say around me, always treating me like I am clueless. You have all underestimated me, and that is finally going to work in our favor.” She bites down on her thumbnail, thinking.
“And how will that work, Munchkin?”
“We fall in line.” She shrugs. “This disappearance was nothing more than a tantrum. I’ll go back to being the spoiled brat, giving him what he wants with my usual flair and ridiculous spending habits. Once things settle, I will find out what we’re missing.”
“You know what he expects from you, right?” Jaxx asks cautiously.
“Oh, things changed while I was being drugged?” She rolls her eyes. “No? Then, he wants my inheritance and us married. So we give him one hell of a show. Once he’s convinced and we have what we need, we make our move. Whatever we decide. Together. After the past few days, I know exactly what I want. I am done being pulled around. Now, what about Puckett?”
While Jaxx explains everything we learned from Puckett, I watch her closely. She’s strong, but she’s shaken to the core. I’m worried she’ll crack; it’s a lot for one person to deal with, and she’s much too calm.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Love bug promises and princess wishes? What king? Guys, my tiaras and love bugs are in daddy’s safe. I outgrew those years ago.” I snort a laugh. She’s full of shit. “Blow me, Cos. They got too small. What I have now are hair pins, not tiaras. Educate yourself.” She sticks out her tongue at me.
“Watch that tongue, Princess.” We go silent when our phones chime.
“It’s Andrew. We need to go. So, it’s agreed? We all play along?” Jaxx slides his phone back into his pocket.
“It’s the only way to end this.” She nods. “Anything else?”
“Whose clothes are you wearing?!” I have to know. I bet they are his. Don’t be his. She needs to change.
“Of all the questions.” Abel shakes his head.
She smiles down at the t-shirt and sweats double knotted at the waist and rolled at the ankles, running a hand over them fondly. “Someone who helped me chase away the shadows and find a bit of calm.”
Jaxx and I grumble while Abel smirks. “Didn’t seem calm to me, Darlin’. Looked like a tornado hit you.”
“Abel!” she shrieks, and then incredibly, she laughs. “It was calm… in between.”
“I might puke.” I cough.
“Fantastic,” Jaxx growls. “Now I have another stop to make.”
“Listen to me, both of you!” she snarls, “If either of you go near him, I will never forgive you. Ever. Understand? He is an amazing man, and he was there for me when neither of you were. I won’t let another life suffer because I touched it. I’m not a child anymore, so stop!”
“Okay, Munchkin. Just, was he… good to you? Respectful?” Jaxx huffs, pushing back his hair.
“The best. He saved me.” She looks to Abel.
“I hate it, but I have to admit he impressed me.” Abel nods.
“Cos?” she questions.
“Him, Princess?” I force an amused grin. “You’re choices are questionable, but okay. Besides, he’s headed to LA.” I laugh as she runs at me.
“You already knew!” Launching herself onto my back, she wraps her arms around my neck. “He’s dreamy… and way better than basement whore,” she adds, whispering, “and don’t forget I chose you once upon a time… might want to watch your insults.” Hopping down, she places a quick kiss on my cheek then runs to join Jaxx. “Guess I’m yours now.”
I flinch. “Ready for this, E?”
“Hell yes! It’s time we take control of their games!” She snaps her helmet, wrapping her small arms around Jaxx. He places a hand on her arm, rubbing it for a moment before returning it to the handlebar and heading in the direction of home.
As I ride behind them, my soul screams. I still choose you, Princess. Always. Nevertheless, I push it away and focus. One thing at a time.