Page 91 of Follow Me Down

But what choice do I have? I can’t risk Titus’ freedom. I can’t have him rot behind bars because my father is a psychopath.

There has to be a way out of this mess. There has to be... I just need to figure out a different angle. Something that will guarantee that my father will never bother me or Titus again.

I think back to last night, to before the chaos, to the moment at the fair when he said the most incredible words I’d ever heard.I fucking love you, Fallon.And then the way we made love in the truck after. I refuse to believe that this will end any other way than with the two of us together.

——

“So why is thick neckback there following us again?” Christy hitches her thumb behind us, a latte clenched in her other hand, as we make our way through the mall.

It’s been four days since I arrived back home. Four agonizing days.

Despite my best efforts, my father has taken every precaution to prevent me from contacting Titus. He’s taken away my car. Given me a security detail, under the false pretense that he has been receiving threats, and he’s monitoring every call that comes in and out the house. Not that I even know Titus’ number if I had the means to call him. I never needed it before now.

The lengths my father has gone to have surprised even me.

“His name is Gavin.” I sigh. “And my father thought it would be a good idea for him to keep an eye on me for a while.” I don’t elaborate.

“Because of the threat BS he’s feeding everyone or because he’s afraid you’ll run off again?” She gives me a knowing look.

Even though Christy isn’t my favorite person in the world, I jumped at the opportunity to go shopping with her when she asked.

My father is hosting some important politicians at the house tonight, including Christy’s father. I knew he would let me leave, mainly because Gavin would be coming too. Not that I need a new dress for the occasion. As if I don’t already have a thousand bland dresses for events such as these.

Even still, I’m grateful to be out of the house for a while.

“What do you think?” I give her a knowing look.

“Oh the joys of being a politician’s daughter.” She sighs audibly.

“Yeah, joy.” I roll my eyes.

When we pass the Apple store, a thought hits me that I hadn’t considered before. I left my phone at Titus’. If I can find a way to call my cell phone, maybe I can reach him.

As quickly as the excitement takes hold, it fades. It’s been days. I highly doubt Titus has thought to keep my phone charged. Hell, for all I know he’s probably thrown all of my belongings in the trash. Not that I can blame him.

He has no idea what happened. I never got the chance to explain. And I’m sure he’s thinking the absolute worst. I know I would be if the roles were reversed.

Even still, I know I have to try.

If I call my phone from the house, my father might connect the dots. He knows I don’t have my phone. And if I did, he would have confiscated it the moment I walked into the door that night.

“Let’s go in here.” I grab Christy’s arm and pull her into the nearest clothing store.

“Um, this isn’t really your style, is it?” She gives me a confused look as she takes in all the blacks and leathers displayed around the shop.

“I think these would look so good on you,” I say loud enough for Gavin to hear when he enters the store. “Come on. You should try them on.” I grab a pair of pants off the rack and snag Christy’s arm, tugging her toward the dressing rooms.

“What the hell has gotten into you?” she hisses when I all but shove her into a room and follow her inside.

“I need to use your phone,” I tell her, holding my hand out.

“What? Why? Use your own phone.”

“I don’t have my phone. I need to use your phone to call my phone.”

“I’m confused. Why do you need to call your phone?”

I have to refrain from grabbing her shoulders and shaking her.

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