I’ve lost her once before, and the thought of losing her again could fucking break me into a million god damned pieces. I’ve never felt so vulnerable in my entire life.
I press my lips to her forehead, soaking in her warmth. “I’ll be back.”
She stays unnaturally quiet, her spirit broken from whatever hell this family unleashed, but she still gives me the best smile she can muster.
“I’ll stay out here with her,” Logan says as he steps beside her. He glances at the two men on watch, and they all seem to share a silent conversation that has my hackles rising.
Before I can dip past the door, I lean down and whisper so only my girl can hear me. “Theo has your phone. Get it from him.” I point to the blonde, and he gives a little wave before slipping the device back to her. His body blocks the view of the others watching us.
“Thanks,” she mumbles, shoving it into her pocket.
I give my travel companions one last look, urging them silently to watch over her while I'm gone. I don't take the time to observe the house I stalk through. I don't care about anything in this place besides the people upstairs who hurt Addison.
As I near the office doors, I have to hold myself back from throttling Ford Hughes. He perches behind his desk, his fingers intertwined over the wood as he pinpoints me with a glare.
Addison’s mom, Morgan, lingers near a window as she uses the sleeve of her cardigan to wipe her tears. She doesn't give me a friendly greeting, and I don't blame her. I'mfuming.
“What the fuck did you say to her?” My voice carries across the room, demanding and authoritative.
“Close the door, Kingsley,” Ford commands.
“What. The fuck. Did you say. To her?” I enunciate slowly, because this man must be stupid if he thinks I'm going to listen to a single thing he says.
Ford makes a come-hither motion with his fingers, and I feel a presence at my back. I glance behind me and take in the burly man standing in the threshold. He’s older with salt-and-pepper scruff and dark eyes aged with wisdom. He closes the door, crossing his arms over his chest as if to warn me against trying anything.
I scoff, “What? Are you so scared that you need someone to protect you? He won't stop me.”
“I don't need anyone to protect me,” Ford says easily. “Addison isn't leaving here. She’s under the Northwestern branch’s protection now. You of all people should know those rules are unbreakable.”
Like hell they aren't.
The years of knowledge drilled into me aren't for shits and giggles. I have my own database at my disposal.
I tuck my hands into my pockets, a cocky smirk tugging at my lips. “Andyouof all people should know there are loopholes.”
Morgan blanches, turning to face Ford. “You said he couldn't take her!”
His jaw ticks, but he doesn't break his death glare at me. “He can't. Not unless they’re married.”
And there it is.
“The nearest courthouse is only five minutes away,” I shrug.
Morgan shakes her head in incredulity. “You can't force my daughter to marry you!”
“I never said I would force her,” I snap. “Addison is capable of making decisions on her own. Something the two of you don't seem to fucking grasp. I don't know what transpired up here while I wasn't around, but listen well. I will gut both of you if that woman so much as utters thewords. Tread lightly, and know that the only thing binding you to this Earth is thatyou have the same blood as the woman downstairs running through your veins.”
“Are you threatening me?” Ford asks.
“It isn't a threat,” I laugh bitterly. “It’s a fuckingpromise.”
I’ve said my peace with these people. I have nothing left for them, and they aren't worth the strain. As far as I'm concerned, they lost my respect with the first tear Addison shed.
“We’re leaving,” I announce, giving them a heartless wave as I turn back towards the exit. “Addison will be in touch when she’s ready.”
The man blocking my path doesn't move, and he braces a hand across the door as a low, cocky chuckle falls from Ford’s conniving mouth.
“You didn't think I would just let my only daughter go so easily, did you?”
