Page 74 of Moose

Lily was already on her knees in front of the kids, making sure they were okay. Despite just being in a fight, her first thought was my kids.

Chief came over and shook his head. “Everybody okay?”

Lily nodded as the paramedics came running over to her.

“I’m fine. Not my first fight.” She cringed at her statement when the Chief gave her a curious look. “Shit. I just... I mean... fuck it. I grew up in a rough neighborhood.”

Chief just laughed. “No explanation needed. I don’t judge around here. Why don’t you get checked out?”

“I’m fine. Really.”

“You wanna press charges?” Lily nodded. “Good. You know the deal.”

Chief walked away and Lily and I quickly got the kids back in the truck as the other officers dragged a screaming Tessa into a patrol car.

I drove back to the house with everybody silent. As soon as we got to the house, Lily ran out of the truck and into the house. I got both kids out and settled them down before going upstairs to see Lily.

Walking up the stairs, I headed straight to her closed door. Opening it up, I found Lily curled up on the bed in tears.

She jumped when I walked in, quickly drying her tears.

“Princess. You don’t have to hide from me. Cry it out, baby.”

Lily shook her head. “No. I’m fine. I just need a minute alone…”

“Alone to cry? Because you’re afraid I’ll think you’re weak because you cried? Try the fuck again, Lily.”

She sniffled as I sat down on the edge of the bed.

“It’s a hard habit to break. Growing up, I was always told no emotions in front of people. You hide that shit until you're alone.”

I pulled her into me. “You never have to do anything alone ever again. And just because you cry doesn’t make you weak.”

Her phone rang, and she quickly picked it up to answer it.

“Attorney Banks.”

“Lily. Nice to talk to you again.”

I could see her face change from a grin to a scowl.

“Dexter. I told you to leave me alone.”

He laughed. “Oh, my pretty little woman. This is a business call. I just wanted you to know first that I’ll be representing your boyfriend’s ex-girlfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend!”

“Ahh, but he is. I have pictures of you two getting pretty cozy. Looks like you’ll be disbarred before you know it unless you walk away from this case, which means I’ll win.”

Lily stood up and stared out the window. “Fuck you, Dexter. This isn’t over.” She hung the phone up and turned to me. “Fuck. Fuck! I’m so sorry, Moose. I promise to help and save them and now-”

I walked over and slammed my lips over hers. Pulling back, I gazed down at her very surprised face.

“Listen to me, Princess. He’s scum, and this is no big deal. I would rather have you in my life, just like this. We can find another lawyer. I love you, Lily.”

The door opened, and both kids came running in, landing in Lily’s arms as she fell to the ground. Nova hugged her the tightest.

“Please don’t leave. You saved us today.”

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