Page 87 of All My Broken Pieces

I roll my eyes. Of course her stupid little posse would be upset. “Malditos coños estúpidos.” I grumble under my breath.

Squeezing my thigh, Andrew draws my attention back to him. “The police have issued a manhunt. Billie was pretty positive she was able to divert their focus for a while by telling them you had family in Idaho so they’re under the assumption you’re going to try going there first. But…” His voice trails off, his eyes shifting between Fallon and me. “It’s only a matter of time before they come here looking for you. We need to get you out of here.”

I glance down at Fallon, brushing my hand across her head, my fingers trailing through her hair. “I’m not leaving her, Andrew.” I whisper, the thought of doing so sucking the breath from my lungs.

“I know.” He sighs, pushing up to his feet. Without another word, Andrew pivots and leaves the room.

Bending over, I place a soft kiss on Fallon's forehead. “You and me forever, baby.” I promise, continuing my soft caress. Sighing heavily, I press my lips to her once more before climbing to my feet and exiting the room.

“She’s a fucking fugitive? Are you fucking kidding me?” Spencer’s raised voice reaches me as I walk down the hall. “You told me she was released, asshole.”

“Well, shewasreleased.” Andrew barks back. “It was more an issue of what she did after.”

“Seriously, dude?” Spencer snaps.

There is a moment of silence before Andrew warns, “Be careful how you speak to me, Spencer. I might not be borderline psychotic like your sister, but that doesn’t mean I won’t take matters into my own hands if you piss me off.” An uncomfortable hush follows his threat.

Taking a calming breath, I turn the corner to find everyone in varied degrees of panic. Spencer is hovering next to the elevator, visibly shaking as he runs his hand repeatedly through his hair. Cooper stands beside him, staring blankly at the corner of the room, lost in thought.

Andrew and Killian are now in the midst of their own whispered conversation. Ava and Hudson perched on the couch, their postures rigid.

Slipping on my carefree mask, I walk into the room, chuckling, “So, the 5-0, huh?” My question draws everyone’s attention toward me, with verifying degrees of frustration on each person's face.

Tough crowd.

My forced smile feels a little more genuine at the thought, a soft laugh bubbling up from my chest.

“Un-fucking-believable.” Spencer mutters, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket.

Before I can react, Killian storms across the room, snatching the phone from his hands.

“What the fuck?” Spencer cries, reaching for his stolen property.

Killian levels him with a look that has him cowering. “No one is going to do anything reckless.” Killian barks, glowering at Spencer for another few moments before moving his gaze over the rest of us. “Got it?”

Everyone nods, a few gulps and shifting of feet can be heard in response to his intensity.

“Good.” Turning his attention to me, Killian opens his mouth to say something, but stops, his eyes shifting over my shoulder.

Following his gaze, I glance behind me, my breath catching as a quiet voice asks, “What’s going on?”

Chapter 42

Fallon

Groaning, I blink open my eyes. My throbbing head worsens as loud shouts echo in my skull. “Quiet, please.” I whisper.

My whispered plea is ignored, the raised voices growing louder.

Groaning again, I push upright, glancing around the room to find I’m alone. I expel a heavy breath, running my hands through my hair. “What happened?” I mumble, my mind trying to piece together the jumbled pieces of my memory.

I have a vague recollection of coming to Ava’s with Hudson, watching as the two moved effortlessly together in the kitchen.Downing glass after glass of wine, I tried to push aside the forlorn thoughts that have become my constant companion.

The next thing I can remember is stumbling into the bathroom and…

My breath hitches, my hand flying to cover my mouth.

I didn’t, did I?

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