I don’t look back.
Outside, the cool air hits my face, and I flag down a taxi with shaking hands. As I slide into the backseat, the club doors burst open behind me, but I don’t turn around.
“Take me home,” I tell the driver, ignoring the two men who slide in beside me.
“Iron Shadows compound,” Skip says quietly, giving the address.
My tears fall in silence as the car pulls away. I don’t bother wiping them away. There’s no point.
Eli’s hand finds mine, his grip firm and grounding, and he doesn’t let go the entire ride back.
Chapter Three
Abby
***Two Months Later***
I hate the quiet.
It’s lonely.
I’mlonely.
“Hey, honey. Want to have lunch with me?”
I smile brightly at my brother and step into the hug he offers.
“I’d love to,” I say, and I mean it. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too, Abigail,” he says. “I really wish you hadn’t moved out. I’m always worried about you, and I never have time to stop by and see you.”
“It’s okay,” I tell him gently, leading him toward the staircase that goes up to my apartment.
When I told Bubby I was moving out…regardless of his orders not to…he compromised. He had the upper floor of the shop renovated so I could stay there until I decided to come back home…His words.
I’d only ever used this space for storage, but now it has plumbing, heat, and everything else I need to survive.
It’s my very own place.
It’s cute. It’s safe. It’s quiet.
I hate it.
I miss my brother. I miss my friends. I miss being part of the Shadows.
Out here, I’m just Abby.
The only people I really see anymore are Lila, Cody, Eli, and Skip. Sometimes Sunny comes down, but when she’s notworking, she’s busy helping get the compound ready for the Christmas fundraiser.
I even called Riley to ask if they needed help. She told me everything was under control.
I tried texting the group chat too, but they barely message back anymore.
I know it’s not because they don’t care. Iknowhow busy Christmas gets for them. With kids and couples and everything else, it’s chaos in the best way.
Lila told me last week they’re getting a massive tree to put up in the center of the compound. I love that idea so much, and it hurts knowing I won’t see it.
But I can’t be upset.
