CHAPTER FORTY-TWO
Summer
The atmosphere in thehospital waiting room is charged with volatile moods.Unlike our previous visits to this stifling, sterile environment, sadness isn’t the only emotion choking people.The hairs on my arms are standing on end due to the electric current running over my flesh.It’s coming from everyone in the waiting room.No one is okay.
Yet my gaze keeps going back to Paisley and Evie because there’s a sinking feeling one or both will break before the night is over.Thankfully, Paisley has Landon and Isaac sitting on the other side of her.Evie has Rebecca, but both chose to sit away from us.Not enough to not overhear if a doctor comes out, but close enough that they could be another patient waiting to be seen.It’s the vacant look in Evie’s eyes that has me worried.When Rebecca spoke to her, it’s like Evie hadn’t heard her.
I lower my head, feeling so fucking guilty I could cry.These people have been living in hell, not knowing when this man would strike next.It’s been a part of their every thought.Me?I forgot about Andrew Black.Not completely.But I forgot about the danger that lurked around us because I’ve been so consumed by Reid.I feel guilty for being blissfully happy whilst they’ve been looking over their shoulders.
When I called Reid, I only knew about the bed and breakfast being under attack.I thought it had been about my cousin’s past and the life they escaped from.I didn’t know about anyone else being attacked until Malia sent the message.
Milly has been taken.
She’s just a little girl.She’s already been through so much.This will have traumatised her.None of us knew what to do, so we decided to group up at the hospital since Makayla needs her wrist x-rayed, Magnolia got her head glued, and Meghan has had glass removed from a gash on her arm.
I glance back down at my phone, and despite the message we received over an hour ago, I won’t believe Malia has Milly until I see her with my own eyes.And I already know I won’t be okay until I see Reid.Paisley said he had been there when Liza was attacked.When Milly was taken.She told me he had hurt his head.
Magnolia places her hand on my knee that has been bouncing for the past ten minutes.“They’re going to be okay,” she whispers.I watch her closely, trying to conjure up the right way to say what I need to.“Just ask me.”
I blink away my confusion because I know I didn’t speak that out loud.“Okay,” I give in, taking a breath.“I ask this because I know how much you love her.But how are you so calm about it?I’m going out of my mind, scared she is hurt.”
She takes my hand in hers.“Because I knew Malia would find her,” she replies and then leans in.“And I know if Milly’s been hurt, Malia will get vengeance.”
“Jaxon,” Lily cries, getting to her feet with the help from her mum.
I’m on mine in an instant, watching Jaxon, Reid, Maverick, Myles and Max walk inside.I race over to Reid.“Where is Milly?Is she okay?Are you okay?”
He pulls me into his arms and I shove my face into his neck, breathing him in.“She’s with Malia.She’s good,” he promises.
I pull back, kissing his mouth, once, twice, before peppering them all over his face.“I was so scared.”
He drops his forehead to mine, keeping me against him.“I was too,” he admits quietly.“Is Mum okay?”
“They took her to surgery a while ago for a burn,” I explain, then lower my voice.“What happened?”
He closes his eyes, anguish filling his features.“They had her trousers down when I got there,” he rasps.“She was beaten badly and they, um...they burnt her neck with something.”
Tears spring to my eyes.“I’m so sorry,” I choke out.“I’m so fucking sorry.”
“They took Milly.Then...”he trails off, unable to meet my gaze.
“I don’t need to know the rest unless you want to tell me,” I assure him.“But nothing will ever make me see you different.”I grip his face, staring into his eyes.“Nothing.”
“Fuck, I love you,” he growls.
“Reid Hayes in love...”Hayden taunts as she walks past.“Craziest thing I’ve ever witnessed.”
Reid snorts.“Your dad has a psychopath wanting to keep him.I would reserve the pedestal you were about to put me on for him because he seemed really taken with her.”
“Wait, he was serious?”she questions, her brow scrunching up before she goes and finds her dad.
Reid huffs out a breath.“I will never understand that family,” he murmurs, then looks down at me.“Are you okay?”
“I’m good.Makayla is having an X-ray on her wrist.Magnolia got a cut glued, and Meghan has had to get glass removed from a gash on her arm.Otherwise we are good.”
“Any news on Mum?”Wyatt asks, stepping up behind Reid since we haven’t moved from the entrance.
