Page 48 of Don't Look Back

Sneaking around the corner, I let out a shriek as someone grabs me and pushes me against the wall.

“Shh, baby, it’s me. You’re ok,” Colt’s soothing voice washes over me. My body trembles against his, as relief washes over me.

“I thought you were Jimmy,” I cry into his chest as I fist his shirt in my hands.

“Where are the kids?” He asks quietly.

“They’re in the playroom,” I whisper. “I didn’t want…” I choke on a sob as Colt runs his hand up and down my back.

“You didn’t want anything to happen to them,” he finishes my sentence and holds me a little tighter. “You’re an amazing woman and you’re going to be the world’s greatest mom one day.”

Colt pulls back enough to meet my gaze. He takes my face in his hands and brushes away my tears with the pads of his thumbs.

“I’ll go play with the kids. Take your time to catch your breath and come down from your adrenaline high. There was no one around outside. I checked everywhere and so did Snow. If anyone was on our property, they’re gone now. The house is locked up and the alarms are on. You’re safe and I’ll be right down the hallway.”

“Thank you.” I stand on my tippy toes and press a soft kiss to his lips. “I don’t know how you do it, but you always know how to make me feel better.”

“It’s because I love you and I pay attention to what you need.”

He holds me until he knows I'm calm enough to be alone, then he disappears into the playroom to be the world’s greatest uncle.

Chapter 27

Colton

“Bennett,” Mason answers on the first ring.

“Hey, Mason. We might have an issue. Snow, my German Shepherd, is on high alert. I checked the perimeter of the property and checked every door and window to make sure they’re locked. She’s pacing the living room, but I don’t see anything.” I run a rough hand through my hair and try to think of what else I can do.

“Shit. I’ve been checking everywhere, but no one seems to know where this prick is.”

“I'm nervous he’s here and we haven’t spotted him yet.”

“How’s Zoey? Is she freaking out?” Mason’s voice softens when he talks about his niece.

“She’s not great, but she’s trying to stay strong. We’re babysitting my niece and nephew,” I keep my voice down, hoping Riley won't hear me over the music playing while she dances around theplayroom.

“That explains the kid’s music in the background.” He chuckles. “Should I come up there? It’s not an issue.”

“I don’t know,” I answer honestly. “I'm nervous, but Pecker and Jared have my back. Leslie let me fill both of them in about what’s going on. I think having Sophia here is making her more cautious.”

“I’m sure it is. She moved because she wasn’t willing to stay in Philly and potentially put her family members at risk. She’ll always put others before her own safety. Remember that.”

“I had a feeling.” I sigh and scrub a hand down my face. “In the morning, I’ll make some phone calls and visit some businesses he could’ve passed through. Pecker’s on duty tomorrow, so he can help me too.”

“Jimmy’s a complete idiot in the real world, but something tells me he’s smart at staying hidden.”

“That’s what I was worried about.”

“I’ll do more digging tonight and see what I can come up with. I don’t have much to go on since his car and phone are at his house. He’s trying to slip under the radar which makes me think he knows where she is. I fucking hate this guy.”

“I’ll protect her with my life. I'm not letting him touch her again.”

“What do you have planned for tomorrow?” I ask as we lay in bed.

Leslie’s cuddled up against my side with tension wrinkling her forehead. I hate seeing her this scared, but I can't do anything until the morning.

“I need to go to the grocery store to get some things for Christmas at Skylar’s house either tomorrow or the next day… Is it ok for me to go?”

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