Page 59 of Back In the Shadows

“I’m home.”

Cami moved back and dabbed at her eyes. “Don’t you ever fucking die on me again.”

That was the Cami Ella needed, cracking jokes at the shitshow we’d all somehow managed to survive.

Cami stepped out of the way and avoided looking at me as she motioned for us to come inside.

The moment we walked into the penthouse, Ella’s shoulders visibly relaxed. It was hard seeing her afraid of every unknown sound, and I hated myself for putting her and the kids in jeopardy. At least we had more security here, and I was making sure they were safe instead of returning to New York. My wife was strong, but what she’d endured had the ability to break even the strongest people.

As I entered the living room, a rush of emotions hit me like a tidal wave—love, overwhelming gratitude, and an unbreakable determination. It was a moment I thought would never come, bringing my children’s mother back to them.

Ella looked up at me, tears glistening in her eyes as she said, “Thank you for bringing me home.” And with those simple words, she rose on her tiptoes and planted a kiss on my mouth that was both sweet and powerful, filled with all the love and hope we had fought so hard to hold on to.

“Ma-ma-ma!” Verity bounced up and down in her playpen Cami had set up in the living room.

“Verity!” Ella dropped her handbag on the floor and rushed to our daughter. She scooped her up in her arms and kissed her as tears fell down her cheeks.

“Ma-ma.” Verity placed her little palms against Ella’s cheeks then gave her an open mouth kiss on her nose.

Ella’s laugh filled the space as Cami waited patiently to see her friend.

Alaric clutched the edge of the playpen and hoisted himself up to a standing position. With a triumphant grin, he reached towards his mother, trying to grab her hand as she knelt in front of him.

“Hi, baby.” Ella gave Verity to me while she lifted Alaric up.

He clutched her neck, his small fingers digging into her skin as he pressed his cheek against her chest. Ella made her way tothe couch, sinking down onto the cushions and letting out a deep sob, tears streaming down her cheeks.

“Here, hon,” Cami said, bringing her a box of tissues.

Ella’s face lit up like a child on Christmas morning when she saw her best friend. She grabbed Cami’s hand and squeezed. “Thank you for being with the kids.”

“They kept me close to you. I wasn’t sure I would ever see you again, and …” Cami hiccupped through her tears. “So much happened while you were gone, but bitch, don’t you ever do that again.”

Ella laughed and sat Alaric on her leg so she could hug Cami.

I stood back in silence, letting the ladies have their moment together. But it was ripping my damn heart out that I couldn’t do anything to help Ella heal faster. Time was a motherfucker that was slow and unsteady. I wanted her to be whole again, not broken and terrified.

I bounced my daughter on my hip and looked into her beautiful brown eyes. She flashed me a grin, showcasing her new tooth that was peeking through her bottom gum.

“We’re happy to have mom home, huh, baby girl?” I smoothed her hair and kissed her soft little cheek.

A jittery tension buzzed in my chest as I watched Cami and Ella reunite after their time apart. I could see the unspoken questions burning in Cami’s eyes, her impulsive nature threatening to spill out in a torrent of emotions and words. I couldn’t bear the idea of her running to the authorities, forcing us to flee and hide. The weight of my responsibility to ensure my family’s safety pressed down on me like a leaden cloak, and I could feel my stomach lurched at the mere thought of constantly being on the run. But I would do whatever it took, even if it meant hiding and living in constant fear, to keep my loved ones together.

“Why don’t I take the kids for a bit and let you two catch up?” I asked.

Ella rubbed her palm along her jeaned thigh. “Thank you, that would be great. But please don’t leave the penthouse. Cami and I can talk in the guest room.”

Cami shot me a worried look with Ella’s plea, but once Cami learned what Ella had been through, it would make more sense. Maybe she would have some ideas of how to help my wife.

Ella placed Alaric in the playpen, then she and Cami disappeared down the hall, leaving me alone with the voice in my mind, who was growing louder and louder.

You need to let me out, asshole. I have shit to take care of.

“Tough shit. I’m spending time with Ella, then once we talk, you can make your entrance, but not until then,” I mumbled.

Alaric’s head snapped up and he said, “Def?”

An exasperated sigh escaped me. “No buddy, it’s Sebastian, your dad.”

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