Page 38 of Play With Me

“What’s done is done? One of my closest friends just lost her baby. Aaron-fucking-Cortez escaped from jail in the first twenty-four hours. How do you think that happened? Where do you think he’s going next? What’s done is done.” She puffed.

“You roughed him up pretty well. I doubt he’ll be going anywhere for a while. Besides, no one knows we’re here.”

Lola shook her head. “He’s got people. At this point, if he’s not coming for Kate, then he’s coming for me and anyone associated with me.”

“I’m sure Cameron will be taking Kate to a safe house, and I can take care of you. I will take care of you.”

She laughed and crossed her arms over her chest in defiance.

“I don’t need anyone taking care of me.”

“I see how well that’s going for you. Have you seen yourself in the mirror, Lola? Your hair? The dark circles under your eyes? You’re a mess.” A hot, sexy mess, but still a mess. “You need as much time to heal as Kate. Cameron will take her to the safe house, and you can come stay with me.”

“You’re dreaming, Madman. I’m safest on my own. You’ll be safer on your own as well.”

“Lola—”

The door to Kate’s room opened just as I was about to explain to her that we owned an off-the-grid cabin. She could come with me. We could keep a low profile along with Cameron and Kate, except I was pretty sure that the last person Lola was worried about at the moment was herself.

Lola shot off her chair and rushed toward the doctor.

“Will she make it?” she asked.

“She has a long recovery in front of her, but she’ll make it. I’ll let Cameron fill you in on the rest.” He motioned to Cameron who was coming out of the room.

“How are Anna and Father John?” my brother asked.

“They’re okay. Under observation for the next few days, but they’re okay. They’ve been asking to see Kate.”

“Can I see her before everyone else comes in? I just need a minute.” Lola moved past us without waiting for a reply.

“She’s blaming herself,” I explained, as she closed the door behind her, leaving us in the hallway.

My brother plopped down on the chair Lola had left and lowered his head into his hands.

“I’m the only one who should be blamed. They killed our baby, Brook. Kate had a baby inside her, my baby, and they took that away. Her injuries – Jesus, I’m not sure if she’ll fully recover, and I will never forgive myself. I couldn’t protect her and our unborn child.”

I felt his pain. At one point in time, I thought I’d lost my baby as well. I had never seen my brother this distraught.

“Kate is strong. She’s survived this long, I’m sure she’ll pull through with your help. You just make sure she’s kept away from Cortez.”

“We’re leaving for the cabin as soon as the doctor clears us. Charlie will be taking over Kate’s care up north. Outside my family, he’s the only one I can trust at this point.”

“You do what you need to do, and I’ll make sure no one touches our family at this end.”

“What are you going to do with Lola?”

I wasn’t sure myself. I needed her, I knew that, but something was standing in our way. I could feel it in my bones. I could feel it in the way she was keeping her distance from me, and I feared there was nothing I could do about it.

I felt Lola slipping away.

“I’m not sure yet.”

“Can I give you a piece of advice?” He didn’t wait for me to reply. “Don’t waste time. Everything you cherish can be taken away from you in an instant. Go to her.”

My brother’s words drew goosebumps on my arms, and a sudden guilt flooded my chest, choking me. It was a single father’s guilt. I hadn’t seen my daughter in what felt like weeks, and it pained me. I felt torn. Maybe Lola could come home with me. Maybe we could both use each other to heal. Returning without her would be wrong.

“Be careful, Cam. The road up there can get slippery.” I was talking from experience. The road up to the cabin was deadly.

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