Page 80 of Cruel Secrets

Though I’m trying to stay calm, I feel like I’m on the verge of falling apart.

I’ve been with my siblings when they’ve been shot before, but this is different. This time, there’s too much blood and I don’t have everything I need to treat it. We’re at a vacation house, not a safe house.

I should’ve known that coming here was going to be a bad idea.

Skyla got hurt because I couldn’t protect my family. I could lose her because I had the chance to kill Noah when he took Ellie and Sean months ago, but he got away before I could take the shot.

It’s my fault that the bastard is still alive and hurting my family.

The bleeding slows as the icy wind howls through the trees.

I pull the towel away to get a better look at the wound. Getting her inside without making the bleeding worse again is going to be difficult, but it’s too cold to stay out here much longer.

Gia’s teeth chatter as she looks at me. “Are we going to move her inside now?”

Nodding, I shove my phone in my pocket before sliding my arms beneath Skyla. Slowly, I lift her and stand. “Go open the door, please, and then make sure the kitchen table is clear.”

She gets to her feet and leads the way inside, not sparing a passing glance at the other bodies in the yard.

I follow her into the kitchen, waiting while she sweeps the placemats to the floor.

As I put Skyla down on the table, she groans, her hand flying to my forearm. Her fingers squeeze tight as her eyes open. “You’re not going to leave me on the table like an invalid.”

Laughing, I scoop her back up and take her up the stairs and to her bedroom, setting her on the bed.

“I’m going to be fine,” Skyla says, her voice raspy as she leans back into the pillows. “You don’t need to worry about me.”

“You got shot. I’m going to worry about you.” I check the wounds again, but there isn’t any more blood leaking. “I’m going to get you cleaned up, and then you need to rest. Ellie is going to be here as soon as she can to see how you’re really doing.”

“You didn’t have to call her. I’ve been shot before.”

“And this time was worse.” I grin down at her, wishing that I had done more to protect her. “I’m going to be in the next room with Gia and Bianca if you need anything, okay? And I’ll be coming in here every hour or so to check on you.”

Skyla rolls her eyes and reaches for the phone and headphones on the nightstand, even though she still looks weaker than I’ve ever seen her. “Everything is going to be fine. You worry too much.”

Knowing that she is only going to get worked up if I stay, I go into the other room with Gia, both of us heading straight for the shower.

* * *

The night is getting later asI lounge on the bed beside Gia, Bianca between us even though she’s struggling to keep her little eyes open.

Gia rests her head on my chest, toying with my fingers. “I thought I was going to lose you.”

I chuckle and lace my fingers with hers, kissing the back of her hand. “I’ve taken on as many men by myself and been fine. You don’t have to worry about me. Just worry about keeping yourself and Bianca safe.”

“I’m afraid I’m not going to be able to do that. You’re part of the deal too. That means I get to worry about everyone, whether you like it or not.” Her voice breaks as she looks at me, her eyes glossy with tears.

“I know you are.”

Gia sighs and stands up, reaching for Bianca. “I’m going to put her to bed.”

“I’ll be right here,” I say, tucking my hands behind my head as I stare up at the ceiling, the warm light from the lamps on the nightstands bathing the room in a soft glow.

She watches me for a moment, our daughter in her arms, and I don’t think she’s ever looked more beautiful.

If this is what peace feels like, I think I might be addicted to it.

When she leaves the room, I tap my foot to a melody in my head, trying not to think about the way I could’ve lost them today. If there had been one second of waiting too long or if Skyla hadn’t raced to those stairs and took out two of the men while the other bashed the back of my head into a rock, Gia and Bianca might not be here anymore.

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