I get up, storm into the kitchen and tear every drawer open. No magnets. Where are the fucking magnets? I slam them all shut then stroll into the office and pick up a pin.
“This will do.”
Before I snatch my keys up from the floor and do something I shouldn’t, I look over my shoulder toward the ebony cabinets in the kitchen. Yep, the painting looks perfect pinned to it.
Pleased with my handy work, I leave.
Just once. Just one more time.
I need to see her. I need to make sure they’re okay before I’ll be the one who needs help.
With every mile closer to Iris Lake, a little part of me eases up. Like a fist that’s wound tight, slowly loosening its grip and I’m not sure if it should comfort me…
There’s a reason I’ve always kept my relationships surface level—because I don’t like to feel out of control, and showing emotion or having someone else hold your heart is the best way to control that person. And I stopped craving that type of connection a long time ago.
I especially want nothing to do with that after my wife.
My life fits into well-organized boxes andtheydon’t fit into any one of them.
So how come it physically hurts to be away from Aurora and Emett?
Another hour and a detour to a department stores nearby, I’m taking the exit for their town, not having a clue where I’m actually going. I’m sure Aurora is out working, right? And Emett? Does he go to daycare? Preschool?
It stopped snowing a few days ago as we finally transitioned into spring. But still, the overcast sky is turning gloomier by the minute and my soul resonates with the weather.
Fucking hell, I know absolutely nothing about them—I didn’t allow myself to know—yet for some reason they feel like mine. Make that make sense heart? Make it fucking make sense…
No, I don’t know much about them, but I didn’t lie to Aurora. If I want something, I made sure it’s mine. I’ve never wanted anything apart from hockey before, though, so it might take a second to navigate these new waters I decided to tread, but I’ll turn this whole sleeping town upside down if that’s what it takes. I’ll find them, make sure they’re fine, and leave.
Mm-hmm, keep selling that bullshit to yourself, Severin.
My car settles into the same spot I was parked in a week ago, hidden from the view of their house, as I look for any signs of life. An hour passes without any movement around the house. Ishould’ve come sooner. I should’ve been here to make sure those lowlifes didn’t show up again. I should’ve pushed Aurora to call the police last week.
I should’ve…my mind starts spiraling out of control when I hear it.
Laughter. I hear a laugh, and a breath I didn’t realize I was holding whooshes out of me.
Emett. I’d know that sound in my sleep. Somehow, I’m sure I’d know it. And he’s laughing. Hungrily, my eyes search for that small boy and his mama, but it’s not Aurora I spot coming out of the house holding Emett’s hand.
Who the fuck is that with my Emett? Where are they taking him? He’s laughing, sure, but kids can be tricked. They’re innocent and Emett is the purest of them all. I’m out of the car, and almost halfway across the road to snatch him away from possible danger when my brain makes the connection.
Stella Gray, Coach Hill’s friend and the one who got Exton the babysitting gig with Electra is the one holding Emett’s hand and guiding him into a white sedan. And in the other…something cracks in my chest…in his other hand, he’s clutching Kevin the police bear.
The one I got him.
I fall back into my seat, my head hitting the headrest as I sigh heavily. The fuck is wrong with me? But since I’m in no mood to answer my own stupid questions, I start the car and follow Stella’s.
I just need to make sure they are safe. That’s all. That’s all I need, and I’ll leave.
There are only about two stop lights for the entire town of Iris Lake so it doesn’t take all that long for Stella to reach her destination on the Main Street. Blade’s Pub is written on top of the entrance of the red brick building that is swarmed with locals and tourists alike for an early dinner.
Quickly, I pull out my phone and google Blade’s. I’m scrolling through until my thumb freezes, hovering over a picture. Aurora works here.
My eyes lift to the pub that’s getting rowdier and rowdier by the minute. I can hear the happy hour lovers hollering and laughing all the way here.
And she’s working there. With that chaos. Surrounded by a bunch of drunk fuckers who salivate over her.
“She’s fine.” I take a steadying breath. “She’s a big girl and can take care of herself. I made sure everyone is alive and well, haven’t I?”
