Page 17 of Ours to Keep

“No reason, just because I can.” And because it was good to see him smile again, it might not have quite met his eyes, but it was something. And I’m determined to do everything I can to encourage him to keep doing so until that darkness lifts. I’m more than aware that it might require some serious retribution. I have no doubt it will come, but for now, I’ll do what I can.

“So, Caleb and Noah’s place, huh?” he says, leaning back into his chair and crossing his arms.

I shrug. “Seems like a good enough idea,” I reply, running my finger over the trackpad on my laptop and bringing it back to life. “Besides, I trust Noah.”

A deep sound emanates from deep within his chest.

“Jealous?” I ask, glancing at his expression.

“Maybe.”

I reach for his thigh and squeeze. “Don’t be, he’s my past. But you, you’re my present. My future,” I admit, swallowing hard.

It’s not been easy opening up, but if anyone deserves it, it’sRiver, and something shifted after finding Lily like that. It’s another reminder of how short and precious life is and that I should not waste time hiding behind my fears. Nothing scares me more than how this man makes me feel and how much Lily has become a big part of that.

Chapter Ten

LILY

I have no idea how long Tommy held me as I broke down. But receiving that call from Mia had my world spinning on its axis and my heart in my throat. When I heard her voice, relief and overwhelming emotion flooded my senses. It took everything in me to hold it together and not fall to pieces. Every time I woke up over the past two days and reality came flooding back, I was hit with dread, fearing the worst for Mia. Then, hearing her speak was like a lifeline to my drowning soul. It was a mixture of joy and sorrow. As she spoke, the initial wave of relief gave way to a complex tangle of emotions. Gratitude, she seemed perfectly herself, and yet I also felt unbridled anger and frustration at Richard’s actions for taking her. The sweetness of her voice was almost painful, a stark contrast to the physical pain remaining from Richard’s attack. Every time she mentioned him, it triggered a surge of protectiveness, with Mia having no idea of the gravity of the situation. How much was I putting her at risk by continuing to shield her from his manipulations towards me when it came to her, even now?

When she told me she’d lost her phone and had to borrow it from a deckhand, I wondered if that person could betrusted. I didn’t even get to say goodbye, the call ending so abruptly. I just hoped like hell she’d reach out again soon. We’ve always stayed in contact. The longest I’ve ever gone was when I had that damn car accident. Something I swear Richard was responsible for, but why? What does he have to gain? Is it my inheritance? I’d give him every penny if it means seeing Mia again.

Amidst the torment, just hearing her voice gave me a fragile thread of hope and a newfound determination to do everything necessary to get her away from him.

“I need to give my statement to the police.” Carefully, I push into a sitting position and focus my attention on Tommy’s face. “I can’t keep allowing him to manipulate me like this.”

He nods. “I’ll speak to Jax, and we’ll get it arranged,” he replies, just as the door swings open, causing Tommy to shoot to his feet, his entire body locked up, his frame filling my vision, until I hear a familiar and very welcoming voice.

“Thomas,” she says cooly.

“Avery,” I whisper as Tommy steps aside.

A gasp leaves her lips. Her eyes widen in horror as she takes in my appearance. I still haven’t been able to look at my reflection, too ashamed of what will be staring back at me.

“Oh my God, Lily!” She rushes towards my bedside and stops right before reaching out for me.

“Shit, can I hug you?” she asks. In all the years I’ve known Avery, I don’t think I have ever seen her so unsure of herself.

“Yes.”

She lets out a sigh of relief and continues forward until she’s wrapped me in her arms. She’s surprisingly gentle, and it isn’t until she pulls back that I realise she’s crying.

“I can’t believe this happened. How could they let this happen?”

“Avery,” I whisper, unable to keep my tears at bay. “I’m okay.”

She shakes her head, wiping under her eyes. I can see theanger simmering beneath her concern. “No, Lils, you’re really not.” Her gaze shifts to Tommy, standing silently, his shoulders tense.

“What the hell, Tommy? First, she’s attacked at her own Gala, and now this. Youwere supposedto protecther. There are four of you, and youhad one job, one fucking job!” she seethes, her voice a mix of fury and despair.

Tommy looks down, guilt and frustrationetched on his face. “I know... we... shit. I’m sorry.”

Avery opens her mouth to retort, but I reach out and grab her hand. “Avery,” I say softly. “It’s not their fault.”

She turns back to me, her eyes filling with tears again. “How can you say that, Lils? Look at you.”

I clear my throat and glance at Tommy.

---