Page 116 of Wildest Dreams

A soft chuckle fills the small cell room.

“You've been trying to make it right since the night it happened... and look where I am,” and I don't miss the venomthat drips from his tone, but I don't take it personally. I take the hit like a bullet, ignoring the pain that sears through my skin.

“I'm sorry.” The words leaving my mouth wind me, sucking the air from my burning lungs as I choke on my exhale. Tears prick behind my eyes like a thousand needles and guilt consumes me whole. My chest tightens as I feel it cave in on itself making it impossible for me to catch my breath.

“I needed you,” the crack in his voice echoes around the room like a gun shot.

“And I needed you,” I shout, everything becoming too heavy to carry and I am ready to give in, let my legs give out and crash to the floor. “I've been through hell myself. I have tried Austin. Tried to be the best friend, tried to keep you safe. I. Have. Tried.” I am angry and sad and broken. A tear rolls down my cheek and I don't even wipe it away. I will not be ashamed to cry. “I need you to fight with me man, I need you to want to get out of here, because if you don't...” I pause, licking the saltiness from my lips, “what is the point.”

Dropping my head, I suck in a breath and ignore the shudder as I do.

“Exactly,” Austin's voice is low, “what is the point.”

I give a heavy nod, refusing to look at the boy I grew up with, the boy who was so much more than a best friend, he was my brother, my family. He broke my damn heart just like I have broken his. Closing my eyes, I turn my body and hobble out of the room and back into Kelcie's office.

Riggs sees my face and all I can manage is a slow shake of my head. He goes to step forward and I hold my hand up against his chest.

“Leave him,” I whisper, ignoring the way Kelcie is glaring at me.

Riggs gives a heavy nod, turning on his heel and getting the door for me.

“We will see you soon Kelcie,” he smirks, lifting his hat from his head as I walk past and once I am outside, I crumble.

CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR

DIXIE

The atmosphere that was surrounding the house was heavy. It was the day of the trial, Tripp and Riggs had been up most of the night trying to see if they'd missed anything in regards to Clay’s death.

I wracked my brain whilst my eyes stayed on the ceiling of my bedroom to try and pick out something that had been said that could pin point me in a direction of where I could be any help.

Lainey clings to me as I pace the hallway. Tripp knows something is up, he knows I am avoiding him. After my chat with Riggs, I didn't want to get Tripp caught up in this shit with Lucian. He was a nasty man; he knew powerful men who would line us up in a firing line and take us out one by one.

Orla waltzed down the stairs dressed in all black as if she was in mourning. She didn't stop to wish any of us good morning, just opened the front door and walked down the driveway. I looked over at Pacey who was leaning against the door frame and gave me a shrug.

“She's going to the Warrens’.”

I nod, then turned and walked into the lounge to place Lainey on her playmat. I decided to stay home, it didn't feel right going to the hearing, it didn't feel right to sit and listen to people argueover if Austin did in fact kill Lainey's dad. I didn't think he did, but then again, I don't really know. I didn't know Austin well at all.

Sighing, I lean down and give Lainey a kiss on the top of her head as I push to my feet, and I hear a whistle coming from the front door.

“Well, isn't this nice,” and my blood runs cold at the sound of his voice, followed by another set of footsteps.

Riggs rushes out, standing in front of Pacey and I feel Tripp’s hand curl around my hip and pull me back towards where Lainey is.

“Don't panic,” he whispers softly in my ear and my eyes are wide and locked on Lucian and Wallen.

“Get the fuck out of our home.”

Lucian scoffs, tugging on the cuff of his white shirt before looking over his shoulder at Wallen, a stupid smirk on his face.

“Now, now, boys,” he holds his hands up in some kind of peace offering. “We're merely here to get what belongs to us,” Lucian smirks a wicked grin as I mould into Tripp’s body.

“Then we're heading to the courthouse to see Austin get sent down for murdering Clay.”

“You're not getting anywhere near her,” Riggs' voice is low, and fear sprinkles deep inside of me. Tripp’s grip tightens on me as my eyes shift to Lainey, but before I even get a chance to get there, Pacey swoops her up into his arms and tucks himself beside me.

“Oh,” Lucian grins, “look how precious you all are protecting her.” His black eyes settle on me, “Don't make me follow through with my threat Dixie,” and my eyes widen as he opens his suit jacket revealing his handgun.

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