Page 152 of Magic or Madness

I gave everyone something to think about – what role they want moving forward. I’d like Lex to stay on the tech side, and Oliver to ride with me as number two, but I gave them all the freedom to make their own choices. There are factors for everyone involved, considering Oliver got shot today, and Max wasn’t with us until he heard about Fallon. Journey gave no hesitation when she was taken, but knowing him, that loyalty could switch up at any second.

We need order, and a solid plan moving forward, so once the guys make their decisions, those will be final.

“For now, all we can do is wait to hear back from the client. He didn’t want a bloodbath, and that’s precisely what we left in our wake. I can only imagine what he’ll want in return, so nobody leaves without protection. Girls, you can’t go anywhere without us, that includes yoga,” I say, and everyone nods in unison.

I expected more pushback, but with the stakes as high as they’ve ever been, the group is in agreement, and we all decide to stay in for the night, celebrating Fallon’s homecoming.

Before that can happen, I see her making a beeline toward me, and it’s time for us to have this out.

“Bedroom. Now,” she says sternly, her arms crossed over her chest, and I follow her lead, holding the door open for her, clicking it closed behind us.

“Bambi, I know you’re mad, but let me explain,” I start, and she tilts her head slightly, her lips pressed in a straight line.

Fallon is most terrifying when she’s quiet. When she lets me speak first, barely breathing in my direction, I know I’ve unleashed the beast, and it’s only a matter of time until she lashes out.

“You don’t need to be a part of my world to be with me. Do you remember when I told you that, what, less than twenty-four hours after I’d met you? I’m trying to keep you safe,” I say, but she shakes her head, the anger radiating off her body and she hasn’t moved an inch since we walked in here.

“That’s fucking bullshit, and you know it.”

I run my hands through my hair, the stress of this looming argument already weighing on me. This wasn’t a choice Iwantedto make, but ithadto be done.

“Fallon, you were kidnapped for fucks sake! You killed someone today. You put a knife through a man’s neck and watched him die. I never wanted this life for you!You don’t have to be like me to be with me, you’re perfect just as you are. And I know how smart you are, and how much you love to help, but I need you with me, forever. I can’t let anything happen to you again, don’t you get that?” I plead with her, hoping she’ll see things from my perspective, but her face remains unchanged.

“Iwas kidnapped, Ozzy.Iwas there.Iwas scared, andIwas tied up in a cold, empty fucking warehouse for like, a day and a half.I was there. I know what I went through!” Her voice rises with each word until she’s screaming and it echoes throughout our bedroom.

She takes a breath, clenching her fists together and turning her back from me.

“I was held by two guards. You killed Alec, and I killed Raz. Did you know that I found out their names? No, because you didn’t ask, or let me explain. The client, Mr. A, knew about myphotos on the internet and said he’s had aspecial interestin me for a while now. Which means, he’s been following us, but you didn’t know that either, did you?” She pauses, and I reach for her, but she shrugs me off, completely shutting me out.

“Bambi, you can tell me anything. Absolutely anything, you know that. Just because I don’t want you in our shit anymore doesn’t mean your information is invaluable,” I say, but she doesn’t budge, that tough exterior creating a massive division between us.

We can’t work this out if she won’t let me all the way in.

“No, but you’re makingmefeel invaluable. I’ve helped so much, putmyfucking life at risk, and this is the thanks I get? You basically dismissed me in front of everyone, and after all I survived, I think I deserve better than that, Ozzy,” she asserts, and my heart breaks inside my chest.

Of course, I should’ve considered her feelings in this, but she’s being slightly irrational, in my opinion. Fallon is the most valuable thing in all our lives, that’s the exact reason why she was taken, and if she can’t see that, or is clouded by the fact I didn’t let her speak, then our problems go further than just me cutting her out of crew business.

“Maybe we should’ve talked about this beforehand, but I don’t know what I’m doing, alright? All I care about is keeping you safe. I can’t do that if you’re involved in everything we do. God, Fallon, what if they wanted more than just leverage from you? Information? Plans? Ins and outs of us as a crew? You knoweverything, and they would’ve tortured you until you broke. The less you know, the better. That’s all I’m trying to do. Keep. You. Safe.” I carefully spell it out to her, and she sighs, sitting on the edge of the bed.

I sit beside her, taking her hands in mine, offering her a little comfort even if she’s mad at me, and her body is shaking as she works through this.

“I was promised that I wouldn’t be hurt, and I wasn’t. I didn’t tell you this, but I knew the man who kidnapped me. Alec, the bigger one, approached Cami, Pepper, and me on our way to yoga. He called me apretty lilac, and I didn’t realize it was him until he said it again, after the phone call with Oliver.” She turns to me, looking into my eyes for the first time since we entered the room.

I brush the stray hairs out of her face, gently resting my hand on her cheek.

Her body still shakes against mine, and she’s doing everything possible to keep the tears from falling. She prides herself on staying strong, and I know she won’t let me see her emotions until she’s ready.

“I’m sorry, Bambi. You know I love you, and I’m not doing this to punish you. Everything I do is for you, this shit means nothing without you,” I tell her, but she gives me a look I can’t decipher, one I’ve never seen before.

She stands again, and she’s shaky on her feet, but I give her space, knowing that she can handle herself.

“You don’t get it!” Fallon screams at me, and I’m shocked, I’ve never seen this side of her, and instantly she breaks down in tears, dropping to her knees.

I rush beside her, cradling her in my arms while she lets it all out, and after a few minutes, she sits on my lap, her head resting against my chest. I can feel her heart racing and the panic she’s holding in her body.

“I’ve been watched, targeted, and researched. The client knows everything about me and has had me followed for a while now. Alec was following me for god knows how long. That’s what you don’t understand, Ozzy.I am the connection. Whatever this asshole wants has to do with me. You can’t leave me out, not now, because I’m the key to figuring out who he is, and whathe wants,” she says, and I lean against the bed, tipping my head back until I’m staring at the ceiling.

She’s right.

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