My heart breaks for her. For my mum.
I may have a birth mother, but Maria is the only Mum I know. And I hate that James does what he does. I hate that she’s so powerless. I hate that she won’t tell anyone. I hate that she has to mop up my blood and ice my bruises, and I hate that I have to do the same to hers.
I hate this.
I can’t listen to this.
My eyes meet Lucy’s, and I kick off the door frame and go to the top of the stairs. Lucy’s eyes widen as she realises what I’m about to do.
Put myself between them.
I’ve started doing that more and more. He’s not angry at Maria, not tonight. Tonight, he’s angry at me.
It’s only fair that I get what I deserve, not her.
“No,” Lucy whispers, taking the few steps to grab my hand. “You can’t, not again.”
“He’ll hit her, Luce; I can’t stand by and let that happen. Can you go to Gemma’s? Don’t be here tonight.”
“I’m not leaving you.” She shakes her head, her eyes wide and filling with tears.
“Please, Cookie,” I beg her. “Please don’t be here. I’ll message you later.”
Her hand wraps around mine. She doesn’t say anything, instead she pulls me in for a hug. “You can’t protect everyone, Owen,” she whispers into my shoulder.
I pull back. My ribs screaming in pain from the last beating.
“But I can protect you, and I can divert his attention from Mu-Maria.” I correct my slip, and Lucy stares at me. Just stares at me with those bright, icy blue eyes like they are burning into my soul.
And my heart beats faster.
Boom. Boom. Boom.
“Please, Cookie.”
I don’t know what makes me do it, but I kiss the top of her head.
Maybe it’s because I’m scared. Maybe it’s because my heart is beating too fast and I can’t stop thinking about how bright blue her eyes are. How I want to do anything to protect her. How I can’t stop thinking about what Harry said.
About how I really want to kiss her, even though I shouldn’t.
19
Kara - Present
“Well,we’dliketothank you both for coming in and providing your statements.”
We stand up, Owen tucking me protectively under his arm and I swipe at the tears that remain on my face after giving our statements.
“This is going to be an ongoing investigation, so there will no doubt be further statements required.”
Owen nods and sticks out his hand to shake it. “You have our full cooperation.”
“Appreciated.” The tall detective nods and reaches for the door. “I’ve been told it’s a bit of a madhouse outside; the news has got wind of you giving your statements. We’ve cleared a path, but be careful.”
Owen nods and squeezes me tighter. “It would seem I have a guardian angel looking out for me. Let’s hope it continues.”
He looks down and kisses me on the forehead, the gesture loving.
