Panic surged through my system, triggering my need to fight back. Instead, I took a breath and pleaded with Ted. “I’m not fighting. Please, call my attorney.”
“You can talk to him at your probation hearing.”
The door swung open, and Levi rushed into the office with Rosie clutched to her chest. “Ryatt!”
Cops blocked her. “You’ll need to wait outside.”
“What’s going on?” She was small but determined. She tried to sidestep him.
“Levi, they’re arresting me for probation violation.”
Cold metal snapped onto my wrists. The emotional kick to the gut had me ready to puke. Three months wasn’t long enough to forget how I’d felt the last time I was arrested. The cop tugged me upright.
“I’m not going to flee,” I said, gulping air like I’d run a marathon.
“Be careful,” she demanded. “His ribs are broken.”
“Ma’am, you need to leave.” Encroaching into her space, the cop backed Levi toward the door.
“I will after you give me some information.” She planted her feet, squared her shoulders, and stood her ground. And I thought McKelle was badass on her bike. She had nothing on Levi in momma bear mode. “Where will you take him?”
“He’ll process into county. It’ll take a couple days to see the judge.”
“Days?” she sputtered.
“Can I please talk to her for a minute?” I asked the cop.
“You’ll get a phone call later today.” He tightened his hold on my elbow. “You can talk to her then. Is she your wife or girlfriend?”
My brows furrowed.
“I’m his fiancée,” Levi blurted.
“The fuck you say,” Ted barked. “When did this happen?”
“It’s not official,” I said.
“I didn’t know you had a kid.” He rubbed a hand over his head.
Maybe believing little Rosie was mine would make him change his mind. “Can my fiancée take my phone?”
Ted nodded. Levi pushed around the officer and snatched the phone fromwhat’s her name.
“Can I give him a hug?”
The cop holding my elbow nodded.
I bent over, and Levi wrapped her left arm around my shoulder as she held Rosie with her right. “Don’t talk without Willy there.”
I fought my fear to force a smile. “I won’t.” I pressed my forehead to hers. A black feeling roiled in my gut. I thought I was done getting into trouble because I’d found something special, but I was losing out again.
“Tell McKelle…” Regrets clawed at my thoughts. Regret for not telling her how I felt. Regret for not kissing her one more time this morning. If I’d known it would be our last, I would have made it count. Maybe I’d even have given Cruz that three-way kiss he wanted. “Tell her, I’m sorry.”
Levi nodded.
“Tell Romeo I’ll see him when I get out. It’s going to be a while.” I walked with eighteen months of probation, but my sentence was five years. My gut tightened when I thought of what I’d say to Cruz if I had the chance. I didn’t have to ask him to take care of our girl. He’d changed for her. He’d changed because of me. “Tell Cruz…”
I’d tell Cruz I was sorry my jealousy and insecurities kept me from knowing him better. I’d tell him he was still a dick, and I didn’t hate him for it. I’d tell him I was ready to figure out whatever this was between the three of us.
