The sobs wracked my body, firing rapid breaths as the pounding died down and footsteps stomped out of the room. There was no way out, and I was stupid for coming alone after wrecking his car a few nights ago.
I screamed when gunshots rang out from the lower level, and I hoped that Sam hadn’t tried to take on Jack himself.
I couldn’t lose Sam again.
Not again.
My skin prickled, and every hair on my neck raised in alarm as the door flew open. Footsteps stalked closer before a presence stopped inches from my shaking form. All I could do was sing louder as large hands grasped me and brought me into their arms. I twisted around, eyes closed tight as I swung in different directions, hoping to hit a target in my resistance.
Hands didn’t hit back, and I slowly opened my eyes, coming face-to-face with the skull-faced mask that had startled me in the woods just a few days prior.
“Sam,” I breathed.
He was silent, but winked at me as he carried me out of my safe space. “Sam, where is he? He’s here somewhere,” I panicked, trying to turn my head and look around for any danger that could loom over us.
“He is taking an extended vacation. Why didn’t you call 911 as I told you to?” His voice was sharp, forced, and the demanding tone spread a familiar warmth through me.
“They never take me seriously. The police, ” I sputtered out. “I am not strong. Just a liar.”
Once we made it outside, I could hear another voice in the distance, and Sam had his mask ripped from the top of his head. His stone-cold look scared me. Jaw so tight I swear it would break, and eyes dark. His hair was messy, and he had been barking orders at someone.
I understand now. Why he was a leader.
A pair of lips kissed the top of my hair, and I relaxed instantly, knowing it was Marco.
“Don’t worry, Sis. Target acquired. Ooo-fucking-rah. Get her home, please. I will get what I can and bring it to my place.”
“Rog,” Sam nodded, placing me in the passenger seat, but I didn’t move. Too numb, too… embarrassed.
We had to get out of here, though. He grabbed the seatbelt and reached over me to click it in place. Shutting the door, hewent around and got into the driver’s seat, ready to take us home.
With as much baggage as I had, today may have changed his mind.
“Lucy?”
I couldn’t answer him right now. The sobs quaked in my chest, bringing forth a new type of pain, one I couldn’t mentally wrap my head around right now.
“You are the strongest person. I still…” He paused for a moment, brow creased and eyes on me instead of the road. “Nothing will change how much I love you. Not ever, and I will wait as long as it takes for you to be ready.”
Sam stayed the whole time, letting me sob into his chest until the tears subsided before he had to run a few errands. Now here I was in the shower, washing away my former self. Well, that's what it felt like at least. Each deep breath was an intake of fresh air I didn’t realize I needed.
It hadn't taken long for me to get dressed, running the candy apple scented lotion over my aching limbs, still tight from earlier. I jumped when three soft knocks sounded on the door.
Normally, people kinda walked in and out. After today, maybe my brother had put his house on lockdown. I wasn’t exactly presentable in Grinch PJ bottoms and a black camisole, but my Christmas Eve was eventful enough; I’d opted to stay in instead of going to my parents.
There was a brief hesitation as I reached the bottom of the stairs before I yanked the door open, and my eyes immediately brightened.
My mother stood over the threshold with a tinfoil-covered plate in one hand and a holiday container full of cookies in the other.
“Mom.” My lips quivered as I jumped into her outstretchedarms, holding her like she would disappear if I let go. “I needed you.”
“I know. A little birdie said you didn’t feel well and wouldn’t be making it to dinner.”
She walked into the kitchen, surveying the house as she always did. Setting the food down, she faced my direction with a kind smile. She’d aged, wrinkles marking her skin, and white streaks ran through her raven hair. She was still the most beautiful woman in my eyes, no matter how old she’d become.
“Marco could have grabbed me a plate on the way home. Not that I don’t want to see you, but why are you here?”
“Sam,” she elongated his name, letting it roll off her tongue in a hushed whisper, “didn’t want you to be alone while he was out.”
