Page 82 of Reckless Promises

I shake my head; not sure I can believe what I’m hearing. “Genevieve?”

“Of course it’s me.” She laughs, but it breaks off in a near sob she’s so excited. “You haven’t forgotten me already, have you?”

“Of course not.” My hand slaps over my mouth, and the tears I fought back for Peyton start to burn my eyelids. “How did you get this number?”

“Cillian had someone from your security team slip it to one of mine.”

I’m shaking my head over and over, waiting for this to not be real. “I can’t believe he did that.”

“Me either. I guess he’s not so terrible after all?”

That’s an understatement, but also too much to explain in a phone call. “No, he’s not. So is this your new number?”

“Yes, Dad found my other phone.”

My stomach sinks realizing Cillian let me use his phone to text that one, and I wonder if my dad saw that.

“How are you holding up?” I ask.

“Things are tense around here. I stick to my room most days.”

“That’s smart.” Anything to keep her out of Dad’s sight. “And don’t worry, Gen. We’re going to get you out of there. Cillian has a plan.”

“I hoped as much.” Her voice deflates, and it sets my nerves on edge.

“Are you sure everything’s okay?”

“Dad’s just been…”—she lets out a long sigh, thinking over her answer—“devolving lately.It’s rough. Mom’s taking the brunt of it like she always does. But you know how that is.”

I do. It’s not any easier watching her go through it than taking the beating yourself.

“But don’t worry about us.” The strength in her tone makes me realize how much has changed in the little time we’ve been apart. “I was just calling to say I love you, and you can text me at this number. At least, so long as Dad doesn’t find it.”

“Make sure you erase all the messages then.”

“You know I will.”

“Crap, I hear Richard coming, I have to go. Talk soon.”

Gen ends the call before I can say goodbye. Before I can say I love her too. But it doesn’t matter because I heard her voice. I know she and Mom are still staying strong, even with everything they’re going through. And I’m going to get them out of there before my father can do any more damage.

I set my phone down and take a deep breath. This is all going to be okay. Cillian made a promise. He’ll keep it.

“What do we have here?” Cillian surprises me from behind, wrapping his arms around my waist.

I spin in his grip, tears still pooling in my eyes. And as one rolls free, he catches it with his thumb.

“What happened?” His face blanches at my crying.

“You got my sister to contact me?”

His body relaxes with the realization that nothing’s actually wrong, and he wipes the second tear streaming down my cheek.

“I did.”

“Thank you.” I wrap my arms around his neck and pull him in for a kiss.

I press my lips to his, salty tears streaming down my cheeks. He did this for me, like he’s done since the moment I married him. He hands me everything—from possessions to safety to comfort.

---