Page 44 of My Shining Stepbrother

“Go ahead, Trigger.” I say just as quickly as I answer.

“I have eyes on him.” I stay calm, but inside, I have an itch I can't scratch quite yet. “What's the next step?”

“Get him and bring him here. I need to have a chat with him.” My lips curl into a devious grin.

“You got it.” He hangs up before we say any more. We keep the talk short and under a specific time frame when we can.

I step back to the group and tell them. Trigger is getting Ronnie. Now we need to come up with a plan on how to handle this.

“So, who is taking the lead here? This is more your fight than it is mine. I lost that right years ago.” Rick looks between Matty, Rose, and I.

“I can take it if you want, Reese.” Matty looks at me, but I know he wants Rose’s thoughts on it. “The choice is yours.”

I turn to Rose. She needs to have the choice here, not me. She knows what I want, but she has to be able to accept it. If she doesn't, then I won't touch him.

“Baby, what do you want?” I ask her quietly.

“Reese, I want you to be the one to take care of him.” She looks into my eyes, giving me everything I need. She wants me to turn into the monster I was raised to be, but she has no fear of seeing it. “I need this to be over. I want to speak with Ronnie first, though. I'm not asking either, Reese.” She narrows her eyes at me to make sure I understand that.

“I can arrange that.” I wrap my arm around her shoulders as she tucks her head on mine. “Do you want to speak to him alone?” Just thinking of her alone with him makes my heart beat faster.

“No, I never want to be alone with him again. I want you there. It would be best if you heard what I’m going to say. Then you will understand this situation a little more.” All I can do is nod as I let out my breath. Thank God she wants me with her.

“I’ll do whatever you need, my beautiful Goddess.” I kiss her head, putting a little pressure behind it to ensure she feels me. “Now go call your mom. She is worried about you.”

She pops her head up quickly even as she winces. She turns to face me with big eyes full of shock.

“She knows that I’m gone?” She blinks a few times, but her eyes stay wide open.

“She tried to call and got worried when you didn’t answer.” I pull her closer to me as I feel her body tense. “I told her you were caught up at work and would have to call her back.” she blinks a few more times before her eyes slowly start returning to normal size.

“Thank you for everything—all of you.” She looks around as everyone gives her a nod.

Rick hands her back her phone, and she stands up, stepping away to make the call. I give her a look telling her I'm here if she needs me. I'm always here.

- Rose -

As I grab my phone, I can only think of how worried she is. I'm shocked that she even worried or noticed I was gone.

“Hey baby girl, how was work?” she answered quickly but didn't sound worried, at least not for me.

“It was busy. I'm sorry I didn’t answer.” Lying to her shouldn't come so easy. Should it?

“It’s ok. I was just worried.” She doesn't sound like she was concerned. I'm so confused by her, which is saying a lot.

“Why?” The skeptical tone in my voice is one that I just can't hide.

“Some guy came here and asked about you. I had never met him before, so I was worried.” Her voice is calm, like this is a completely normal thing. There is more; I can feel it.

“What was his name?” My heart starts beating faster.

“Ronnie.” I drop my mouth open in shock, not letting any sounds escape. How does he know where we live?

I shake my head and straighten my shoulders. She has to believe me right now for her to stay safe. “He is an old friend who was trying to ask a favor. He found me, and it's all okay now.”

“Okay, I just wanted to let you know.” She takes a deep, shaky breath on the other end. “Have you heard from Rachel? I can’t get a hold of her, and she wasn’t at school today.”

“No, I’ll call her and see what’s going on, though.” I push back the worry and fear, trying to stay strong.

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