Page 164 of Lucas
The words tumble out of me in a rush. “The night of the crash, I only went out on my bike because Ava’s bike was missing from the shed. I thought she had gone out. At first, I figured I was losing my mind, but I swear on my life, it wasn’t there. But later, when she went looking for me, it was back in its usual place. Like it had never been gone at all.”
Liam sucks in a harsh breath, eyes round as dinner plates. “Holy fuck. So, someone took it? Removed it so you’d go out that night, and then, what? Went after you?”
I thrust my hands in my hair, yanking. “I don’t fucking know. It sounds insane, but it’s the only thing that makes sense. Whoever’s been threatening me wants me gone. Permanently. And they broke into the shed to orchestrate it.”
Cora stumbles back, a hand pressed to her heaving chest. “Oh my God. Oh my God. This can’t be happening. What if they try again? Lucas, you can’t stay in that house. It’s not safe.”
“It’s okay,” I assure her. “I’ve already called Storm Security. As of an hour ago, I have two ex-Navy Seal bodyguards watching Ava and me twenty-four/seven. I’m also having them overhaul the security system at the estate, top to bottom.” I turn to Logan and Liam, my expression hardening. “You should all do the same. Hire protection. Upgrade your security measures. Just in case.”
Logan nods. “Already texting them now.”
“Why do you think we need protection?” Liam stands, realization dawning on his face. “You think there’s a connection between what happened with Dad and what happened to you.”
It’s not a question; it’s a statement.
I nod. “Not for certain, of course. It’s just a hunch, a sick feeling in my gut. But I can’t shake it.”
Liam looks ready to tear his hair out by the roots. “But why? It’s been twenty fucking years. Two decades! Whoever Dad...killed,” he starts, choking on the word, “they’re long gone, rotting in the ground. Why would anyone come after us now? It makes no sense. Isn’t it far more likely this is about you? A rival with an axe to grind, some corporate espionage bullshit? We’re not exactly Mr. Rogers. We’ve stepped on plenty of toes and made enemies climbing the ladder.”
“Don’t you think I’ve considered that?” I shout, my control snapping. “I’ve wracked my brain, gone over every scenario a million times. And maybe you’re right, and I’m losing my fucking mind, so desperate to make sense of this nightmare that I’m connecting dots that aren’t there. But I can’t ignore my instincts, Liam.”
“This is crazy,” Cora moans, hugging herself. “Crazy. I feel like I’m trapped in some sick, twisted movie. I don’t believe it.”
I turn to Logan, raw desperation carved into every line of my face. “The video,” I rasp. “Of you and Sloane. The name they chose. Don’t you see?”
Realization crashes over Logan like a tsunami, his eyesflying wide open. “The Silent Witness,” he says, voice cracking. “You think it’s a message. A taunt. A sign that this is all linked.”
I nod. “It could be a coincidence. But the name? It lines up too perfectly to be by chance. I think whoever’s gunning for me knows the family secret. Knows what Dad did.”
Chapter Forty-Two
AVA
Ipacked up all my belongings and moved them into the mansion a few days ago.
We agreed to keep my house for those nights when we want to stay in the city, but from now on, we won’t be sleeping apart. Not if I have any say in it.
I wander over to the window overlooking the manicured grounds where a veritable army of black-clad security guards patrols the perimeter, alert and stone-faced. Lucas insisted on tripling security after the talk with his siblings.
He hasn’t received any new threats since the accident, and there haven’t been any further incidents. Part of me wonders if he’s going a tad overboard with the Fort Knox approach, but I trust his judgment, even if his overprotective streak can be smothering.
I’m head over heels in love with that man, flaws and all. Bossy, domineering control-freak tendencies included.
I’ve even grown to love his family, who welcomed me with open arms as if I’d always been one of them. For the first time, I feel like I’ve gained not just a partner, a husband, but an entire family. A genuine sense of belonging, something I’ve never had before.
I survey our bedroom, taking in the walls adorned with fresh artwork.
Lucas’s familiar footsteps come from behind, and I turn just as he enters our palatial bedroom. His face lights up when he sees me, blue eyes crinkling at the corners. In a few long strides, he’s across the room and enfolding me in his arms. I melt into his embrace, savoring his warmth and masculine scent.
“Like it, Wifey?”
“When did you get these?” I ask, leaning back into his solid warmth.
“Purchased them while you were gone.” He nuzzles my neck, his stubble rough. “They arrived today.”
I tilt my head to look at him. “You bought the paintings even though I wasn’t here?”
He captures my hand and presses a kiss to my palm, his eyes burning into mine. “I knew you’d come back to me,” he says. “There was never any other possibility. You’re mine, Ava. Just like I’m yours. Forever.”
