Page 128 of Judgment

He steps in, one hand coming to the back of my neck as he pulls me close, covering my mouth with his, his tongue unhesitating as it sweeps into my mouth, replacing the sickening taste of Frederick with his. He holds me tight, kissing me deep and long before dropping his forehead down to rest on mine, eyes closed as he pulls in slow breaths.

I press my hands to his face. “I’m okay.”

His eyes open to meet mine. “I’m not.”

“You will be.” I glance down at Frederick’s body. “Do we need to do something with him?”

“I’ll handle it.” Victor moves in behind me, crouching down to spread a sheet of plastic across the floor. “Go to your mother.”

I reach down to rest my hand on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

I know Victor wasn’t a huge fan of my presence in Andre’s life. He didn’t treat me badly, but it was obvious he thought I was a liability.

He might have been right.

But liability or not, I’m the one Andre chose to be at his side. Hopefully today I showed that I have what it takes to be there.

I give Frederick a little kick as I turn around, digging the pointy toe of my shoe into his ribs one last time before I walk out of the cold little room that will always leave its mark on me.

In good ways and in bad.

Any other time something like this might have broken me.

But not today.

I have more important things to handle.

I wrap my mother’s coat around my shredded dress, head high as I pass through the halls, greeting each of Andre’s men when they pass, carrying evidence of the carnage left in his wake as he fought to find me.

I don’t need notebooks or lists anymore to remind me of my worth.

All I have to do is count bodies.

* * *

“WHERE IN THEhell have you been?” Madison jumps up from her chair and races toward me. “I was starting to freak out.” Her eyes narrow as she studies my face. “What’s wrong?” She looks to Andre. “What happened?” She frowns as her eyes snap down Andre’s front and then mine. “Why are you wearing different clothes?”

“I can’t talk about it right now.” It’s the only explanation I offer as I ease down onto the edge of the bed and take my mother’s hand. “How’s she doing?”

Madison watches me a second longer before shooting Andre a glare, like she’s sure whatever is wrong with me is all his fault. “Her breathing is slowing down.” She reaches out to rest one hand on my mother’s leg and one on mine, her expression softening. “But they said she’s not in any pain.”

I’m not sure how I’m going to get through this, but for the first time in my life I feel like I will.

Like I’m strong enough to find my way to the other side.

Brave enough to tread the water of the unknown until I get there.

I’ve done it many times and I will do it again.

“Thank you for staying with her.” I need Madison to know how much it means to me that my mom was never alone. That there was always someone at her side who loves her.

“Of course.” Madison’s hand comes to smooth down my freshly washed hair. “Do you need me to stay?”

I shake my head. I feel selfish right now. I lost too many precious minutes because an asshole thought he could take on Andre, and I don’t want to share the ones I have left.

Madison leans in to squeeze me, hugging me tight. “Call me if you need anything.”

I wish she could give me what I need, but she can’t. No one can. “Okay.”

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