Page 86 of Single Mom's Navy Seals
“Not sure,” Jax murmurs, glancing around the room cautiously. “Might be the breaker box acting up again. I’ll go check it.”
The moment he’s gone, I all but slip from the bed again, moving downstairs. My heart races as I locate Jax’s phone on the kitchen counter, fingers trembling as I remove the battery, stashing each piece in different hidden spots around the room.
Next, I reach into Jax’s wallet, retrieving the sleek black Amex card tucked inside. The goal had been a couple of bucks from his wallet, but a free-for-all card was also helpful. Even if I were only able to use it once, I would have to ditch it completely. I slip it into my bra, replacing the wallet exactly as I found it, heart pounding with the fear of being caught.
After securing everything, I step outside, walking around the house to where Jax stands beside the breaker box with a puzzled expression.
“What happened?” I ask, masking my knowledge.
Jax shakes his head, voice frustrated. “Box is ancient, wiring’s eroded. Looks like something disconnected or shorted out completely.”
I feign gentle confusion, shaking my head. “I can fix cars, but electrical stuff isn’t my area.”
Jax sighs, considering. “We should call Cole or Liam and get them to pick up supplies from town.”
“Probably a good idea,” I murmur. “It’s going to get hot in here pretty quickly. The AC’s weak as it is.”
Jax nods, stepping back inside to retrieve his phone. After a quiet moment, he returns, expression frustrated.
“Can’t find my phone anywhere,” he murmurs, brows knitted together. “Did you see where I put it?”
I feign thoughtfulness. “Didn’t you head out toward the barn earlier? Maybe you left it there?”
Jax sighs, nodding. “Probably did. I’ll check quickly. Stay here with Eli.”
The moment Jax moves swiftly away, my pulse quickens. This is it. I rush back inside, moving toward Eli’s room, waking him. He sits up, rubbing at his eyes.
“What’s going on, Mama?” Eli asks, confusion and sleepiness clear on his face.
I kneel in front of him, heart aching. “We have to go, baby. It’s important. You gotta slip your slides on and come quickly.”
Eli’s eyes widen, immediately anxious. “But what about Cole, Jax, and Liam?”
I swallow hard, forcing my voice steady. “They’ll meet us soon. But right now, we have to hurry.”
Eli hesitates, confusion lingering in his gaze, but nods in agreement., I grab the packed duffel from the closet, slinging it over my shoulder. With Eli’s small hand in mine, we move swiftly and out the front door toward the old, abandoned car parked beside the cabin.
The whole time, my heart beats rapidly, positive that Jax is going to appear before we can leave, and everything will be ruined. We’ll be shipped to Randy today, most likely, if that happens.
I help Eli into the backseat, buckling him in. Guilt twists inside me, knowing the booster seat isn’t here, but urgency overrides concern. I slip into the driver’s seat, gripping the wheel, resolve hardening in my chest.
As I turn the key, the engine roars to life, echoing across the quiet property. My pulse quickens, knowing Jax will hear it. Shifting into drive, I peel out of the driveway, dust rising behind the car.
In the rearview mirror, I see Jax sprinting up the driveway from the barn, arms waving frantically, shouting something I can’t quite hear clearly. But I don’t stop. My chest aches, betrayal and hurt swelling within me, but my resolve holds firm.
The old car rattles beneath me, moving but steadily away from the cabin. Eli sits behind me, confusion and worry clear on his face. He looks toward me, eyes wide and scared.
“Mama, what’s happening?” he asks, voice trembling.
I glance back toward him, forcing a soft, reassuring smile. “It’s okay, baby. We’re going on a little trip.”
Eli hesitates, eyes searching mine. “Will Cole, Jax, and Liam really meet us?”
My heart aches, pain swelling. “Yeah, sweetheart,” I lie, forcing myself to maintain gentle composure. “They’ll be right behind us.”
Eli nods, settling into his seat, trusting me completely. My chest tightens, knowing I’ve lied to him, but protecting him is more important now.
My thoughts race, calculating the steps ahead. Get several towns away, withdraw cash using the black card, buy a cheap used car, and disappear quietly. The men will come after us once they realize we’re gone, especially with that money at stake. Randy’s threats loom in my thoughts, his cruelty vividly clear. My resolve strengthens. Whatever it takes, I’ll protect Eli.
