“Just get dressed. And… don’t make me regret this.”
I take the leggings before rummaging in the same bag for a clean pair of knickers and a bra. If I’m going to do this, then it isn’t going to be without underwear.
I’m not changing Alex’s shirt, though. I’ll wear that as armour in the hope of channelling some of his strength and confidence.
Pulling his phone from his pocket, he taps at the screen and lifts it to his ear before I slip into the bathroom to clean up.
I’m still a mess. Cuts and scabs still litter my body, and the bags under my eyes are beyond insane. But it won’t stop me from doing what needs to be done.
By the time I emerge, Ant is off the phone and waiting by the door.
“Come on, we’re going for a little road trip.”
Excitement flutters in my belly. I should be scared—terrified—of what I’m about to do. But I’m not.
Alex has done so much for me in such a short space of time. Now, I need to step up and do the same. For him and Zay.
Knowing that they’re both safe will make all of what might happen next worth it.
My heart jumps into my throat when we get to the bottom of the stairs to find Calli and Daemon about to head up.
They both look at Ant before their eyes turn to me.
I swallow nervously, any words I should be saying right now seeming to shrivel and die on my tongue.
Wrapping his arm around my shoulders, Ant pulls me into his side protectively.
“We’re going for a drive,” he states. To anyone else, I’m sure his tone would leave no room for argument. But not with these two.
“Is that a good idea?” Calli asks as Daemon studies Ant with a deadly glint in his eye.
“I’m not going to do anything to put her at risk,” he assures both of them.
Calli and Ant share a look before she nods.
“It’ll probably do you good to get a change of scenery,” she concedes.
“Yeah, I need to clear my head,” I lie, aware that I need to say something.
Ant tugs me forward, but Daemon’s deep voice stops us before we get to the front door.
“Do anything stupid and Alex will kill you with his bare hands,” he warns.
“I’m aware.”
“And she’s tracked. So we’ll know if you do something untoward.”
“I’m what?” I gasp.
“They did it when you were out of it,” Calli says softly, as if that’ll make this any easier to swallow.
My lips open to say something, but there are no words.
I’m not shocked. Not really. I guess this is normal in their world.
“We’re all tracked,” Calli adds. “It stops these possessive arseholes from freaking out when we leave the house. And it ensures we can all be found at all times. Just in case.”
“Right,” I mutter.