Page 38 of Forever Mine

That was good. Wes would make sure it was handled. It crossed my mind we should probably go to the cops, but that could wait.

Jay’s breathing was ragged, but he held onto me tight, and I had no desire to back off, even though my brother was watching us. I needed Jay as much as he needed me.

Which brought me to the next point. I really wanted to forget about it, but I had to assume it was connected.

“There’s something else,” I finally told them reluctantly.

Two pairs of eyes zeroed in on me. “What?” Jay asked sharply.

I took a step back, needing a little space to explain. Jay almost followed me but seemed to stop himself. I pulled out the note and handed it to him.

Jay snarled, the note crumbling in his hands. His shoulders were heaving as he struggled to keep it together.

“Jay, it’s okay, baby. I’m right here, I’m safe.” Jay didn’t seem convinced and pulled me to his chest, his eyes wild as he searched the parking lot.

“We need to get the fuck outta here.”

“Does anyone want to tell me what the hell is happening?” Declan asked, annoyed.

“Oh, sorry.” I managed to get the crumpled-up paper out of Jay’s hand and gave it to my brother.

His nostrils flared. “I take it this is an escalation of the first note?” I nodded. “By the way, Dakota, you’re not off the hook for that.” I grimaced, though I didn’t expect anything less. “Come on, I’ll drive. You can get your car tomorrow, Kota.”

“Where are we going?” I asked, kind of willing to let Declan take over. I felt a bone-deep exhaustion and was tired of figuring things out, and Jay was done. We both were.

“My place. Amari is out of town for the weekend. We already know that fucker knows where you live so you’re sure as shit not going there until we can figure things out, and if he knows where Jay works, he probably knows where he lives. We’re going to my house. Everyone needs some time to decompress, and we can figure out a plan tomorrow.”

I smiled at the we. I was trying to avoid telling my family, since I knew they’d be over the top. But I was secretly glad they knew. I had a feeling we’d need the help.

Jay didn’t seem to have an opinion one way or the other. He had me shielded with his arms and was on high alert as we walked to my brother’s car. He was in full protector mode, and for the moment I was content to let it happen.

Declan’s car was on the other side of the lot, and despite it being early morning, a humidity clung to the air that had me sweating by the time we got to it.

Declan raised an eyebrow but didn’t comment when Jay and I both climbed in the back seat. He still hadn’t let go of me, and neither of us would’ve handled being separated at the moment. Jay stayed quiet as we made the short drive to Dec’s place. He was staring out the window with intense alertness. I just held his hand and snuggled into him.

When we arrived, I thought of something. “Do I need to call Mom and Dad?” They were probably freaking out, but Dec said no.

“Nah, I texted them to let them know you were safe and I’ll give them a call. I’m sure Ma will be here the second she thinks it’s an appropriate hour, but between Dad and I, we’ll hold her off for a while.” He eyed both of us. “You guys can stay in the spare bedroom. There’s towels and toiletries and shit in theconnecting bathroom. Amari always keeps it hooked up. I’ll grab you guys some sweats or something.” Then he grinned, just a little bit of mischief in his eyes. “Though you might fit better in Amari’s stuff than mine.” I gave my brother the finger as he ran off to his bedroom snickering, leaving Jay and me alone. Declan only had an inch or two on me, and Amari was barely five feet tall. He was just an asshole.

Jay looked a little dazed as he took in the small but nice and adorably decorated house. It was probably weird for someone who wasn’t used to relying on other people. He’d only met Declan a little while ago and he was already in his house, about to use his shower and spare bedroom, and wear his clothes.

I rested my head against his chest, and Jay automatically wrapped his arms around me. He buried his face in my hair, breathing in deeply. I winced, I couldn’t imagine what it smelled like, but he didn’t seem to mind.

“Are you okay?” It was a terrible question. There was no way he was okay. I sure as fuck wasn’t. But I didn’t know what to ask.

“Not really. Better now that I know you’re safe. I was so fuckin’ scared, Kota.”

I looked up at him, shocked by the vulnerability in his eyes. “I’m sorry, love. I never meant to scare you.”

“I know. I get that you can’t always answer right away. I just lost my fuckin’ mind. I wasn’t thinkin’ straight.” He blushed. “Sorry I told your family about the note. I didn’t mean to betray your trust.”

This poor, sweet man, “You didn’t, baby. The way I am with my family, I’m sure you figured I told them. Besides, you thought I could be in danger. I actually kinda love that you called them.”

He gave me a crooked smile. “It was actually Beck’s idea. I was losin’ it in the parking lot of the factory and he suggested I call them to see if they heard from you.”

Didn’t matter who thought of it. “Still, you did. You even dealt with Declan for my sake.”

“I like him. He doesn’t mince words and he loves you. I’m glad you got a big family. You deserve all the love.”

---