Page 12 of Done Waiting

Disappointment twists her lips into a grimace, and she gives a frustrated shake of her head before she turns away.

Elation fills me as I move around the house carefully, sticking to the shadows and the trees. I know which room is Madison’s childhood bedroom, and I suspect she’s heading there.

The sadness and longing cloaked her, and I’d be fucking lying if I didn’t acknowledge that it pains me to see her alone and hurting like that, especially when she’s surrounded by people who are supposed to love her.

The large maple tree is close enough that it offers me a vantage point to her bedroom window while obscuring me from anyone who might stumble outside.

Plus, my trusty knife is in my sheath at my waist, so I'll handle it if it becomes problematic.

The hallway light spills into her room when she opens the door. She looks around the room slowly, then stops. She spots something and heads toward it, disappearing from view.

I wait, but she doesn’t reappear.

Turning to the maple tree, I study it, then check to ensure no one is around. Reaching up, I grab onto a branch and place my boot against the trunk, hoisting myself up.

I continue climbing, and finally, I’m at a level where I can see her lying in her bed. She’s curled around a stuffed animal, eyes closed, breathing steadily. She looks so peaceful.

Cocking my head, I study her, taking in her long lashes resting on her cheek, her silky blonde hair spread around her on the pillow. Her full, pink lips are parted slightly. Her arms are tightly locked around the stuffed animal, and her body, still clad in the dress she wore to the funeral, is curled around it.She’s a fucking vision as she sleeps.

My brow furrows, and my spine snaps straight.Vision? Really? What the fuck, Jagger? She is the enemy’s daughter! Get your damned shit together.

Lowering my head, I sigh, disappointed in myself. I’ve inflicted unimaginable torment on others, manipulating them to get the information I needed. I’ve tortured, maimed, and killed countless men in my quest for vengeance. I’m ruthless, cold-blooded, and cold-hearted.

Yet here I am, acting like a damned softie.

A light goes on in Madison’s room, drawing my attention. Ben and Chloe enter her room, then stop when they see her lying on the bed. Ben turns to Chloe, pressing his fingers to his lips in a shushing motion, then circles around the bed so that he’s facing Maddie. Gripping the branch, I lean forward, waiting to see what the asshole does.

He leans over Madison’s sleeping form, studying her. Reaching out, he gently strokes her hair, a sinister smile on his lips.

My brows furrow as I watch him, my gut churning. Not only do Ihatehim fucking touching her, but the expression on his face has me curious.

What game are you playing, Benny boy?

He removes his hand and looks over at Chloe. He heads to her, whispering something in her ear. She nods, and they turn, quietly exiting the room and shutting the door behind them.

I’m curious about their plans, so I climb down from the tree and stealthily move around the house. I spot them talking to the Ice Queen, and then Ben turns to Chloe. I read his lips as he says, “Ready?” Chloe nods, and they begin moving through the house, heading in the direction of the front door.

Are they seriously leaving Maddie behind?

I hurry toward a group of pine trees that provide me a view of the front of the house, perching behind them to ensure I have a view of the door and the sidewalk that leads to the driveway. My heart pounds from excitement. Abandoning her the night of her father’s funeral isn’t going to go over well.

A few minutes later, Ben and Chloe walk out the front door.

A wry smile pulls up my lips.Dumb fuckers.

Once they back out of the driveway and his car heads down the road, I stealthily slip from my hiding place and move back to the tree near Madison’s window. Lifting my head, I stare at her window, my thoughts in turmoil.

The room is dark since Ben and Chloe shut the door, so even if I climb the tree, I won’t be able to see much.

I stand outside her childhood home in the darkness, shoving my hands inside my pockets, debating.

I can be patient.

Watching and waiting, the mourners steadily leave the Ice Queen’s house until only Maddie and her mother remain inside. I watch as the Ice Queen cleans up, then heads into her bedroom, shutting and locking her door.

My smile is wide as I emerge from the shadows, slipping beneath the cover of darkness to the tree outside Maddie’s window. Climbing it again, I crawl onto the thick branch that juts out to her bedroom window.

My hands grasp the sash, silently lifting it, expecting it to be locked. A victorious smile spreads across my face as my gaze remains fixed on Maddie’s form huddled beneath the blankets.

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