Page 25 of Bone Dust

Sam nods without hesitation. "He's a changed man because of what he's been through. You have my word—and I don’t give that lightly."

Despite his reassurances, I still feel unsure. “But?—”

His palm snaps up between us. "We can discuss Ian another time, Savannah."

His tone goes low, so Ian doesn’t hear us. I know if I pose any more questions, I won't get any more answers. Not today.

Although I trust Sam’s opinion, my mind is plagued by a separate persistent niggle. "On a different topic: I don't feel like the epitome of motherhood right now. I teach her 'stranger danger' and all of that, and yet, though she doesn’t know him, she goes with him without a second thought."

Sam waves me off. "You worry too much, Savi. She's got good instincts, and Ian may be more decent than he lets on. Kids are like dogs, you know? They have a keen sense for telling if someone’s good or bad."

I consider his comment with a subtle toss of my head. "You always manage to find the silver lining. In people and in situations. I honestly don't know how you do it."

He smiles, cocking a brow and giving me a reassuring look. "Well, darlin', bright spots are easy to find. There's nothing else worth seeing, in my opinion—and it sure as hell beats lookin’ for the bad in people."

On the ride home, Gigi's chatter slowly fades into a peaceful slumber. Once home I carry her into the house. It’s way past her bedtime and as I carefully navigate the stairs, I watch the gentle rise and fall of her chest. It’s mesmerizing. Her small body is a solid thirty-three pounds of weight in my arms. With each step, I feel exhaustion creep into my bones, but am filled with love and contentment as I gaze at her sleeping face.

I lay her down on her bed and she stirs. I move back slightly and watch as she settles into a deep sleep. My heart swells with adoration as I watch her, taking in every perfect detail. Her thumb finds its way to her mouth, a comforting ritual that she still holds onto at night. She curls up into a cozy ball, and I reach for the beloved blue and white striped blanket that has been washed countless times since she was born. As I gently unfold it over her, she sighs in contentment and a soft snore escapes her lips.

I slowly back out of her room, I take those moments to admire the peaceful scene before me. The room is adorned with pictures and toys, all carefully chosen with love. The air is filled with the scent of baby powder and lavender from her nightly baths. Closing the door softly behind me, I tiptoe away, not wanting to disturb her peaceful slumber.

I inhale deeply with a sense of quiet satisfaction. My next stop is to the kitchen for a cup of herbal tea before heading to bed myself. The day may have been busy and tiring, but the tranquil moments that follow make it all worth it in the end.

With each step, the stairs quietly creak beneath my weight. The house is still and calm as I make my way down to the first floor. Just as I reach the bottom step, my phone begins to ring. My heart sinks as I remember I had promised to call Sam as soon as I got home. Fumbling through my purse, I finally locate my phone.

"Sorry, Sam," I whisper into the receiver, trying not to wake Gigi sleeping soundly above me.

"Hello, Savannah."

My blood runs cold at the sound of his voice. Drake. How did he find me? Panic sets in as I struggle to keep my composure.

"I know you're there," he taunts, his voice dripping with malice.

"Why are you calling, Drake? I have nothing to say to you."

"Aww, now my feelings are hurt. Did you think changing your name would make you invisible?"

He chuckles, a sound that sends shivers down my spine. His mocking tone cuts through me like a knife. "You have ten seconds, then I'm hanging up."

"Nice family you've got there. It would be a shame if something were to happen to it."

His words linger in the air like a heavy fog, and something snaps inside of me. Did he dare threaten my child?

My blood boils with anger as Drake's true nature reveals itself once again. I’d forgotten how evil he is.

"You're a psychopath," I spit out. “I changed my name for reasons that have nothing to do with you,” I lie. “And don’t threaten me or my family.”

"Just saying … he sneers. "Your little girl is lovely."

His direct reference to my daughter makes bile rise in my throat. Memories flood back of how he went from being a loving boyfriend to a monster.

"It's been four years, Savannah. You'd think you’d have forgiven me by now." His tone turns venomous. "And wouldn't that be around the time you got pregnant?"

His words strike a nerve, dredging up painful memories of the night he took everything from me. "You're disgusting," I manage to choke out.

"Just doing the math. I believe her conception might be around the time when we last made love."

"Made love?" A maniacal laugh escapes and then I turn deadly serious. "It was rape."

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