Whatever this feeling was, it wasn't anger. I don’t even think it was rage. There wasn’t a word for what I was feeling right now.
Tonight was a test of wills.
Aja and Janae have argued before, but never like this. Janae gave something up so that Aja could have what she wanted. Knowing Aja, she would have done the same if she were in her place. Mom was hurt that Janae didn’t confide in her, and I could understand why she didn’t. Ma didn’t exactly have the best track record.
Our family was broken. My job was on the line, and Evelyn was in more danger than ever.
My father stripped his protection from Evelyn and ordered her to leave. We weren’t going anywhere. He could tell William and the security team whatever he wanted. If we had to lie low here, so be it. If he wanted her to leave, he’d have to go through me. This was my home just as much as his, and I was tired of letting him keep me from it.
I was about to sit down on the couch when I heard Evelyn scream. My heart was in my stomach as my feet ate the short distance to her room. Throwing open the door, I found Evelynhuddled on the floor, her hands making a mess of her curls, pulling at the roots. When I followed her gaze, I noticed a black box on the bed, in it a silver ring with an aquamarine stone.
Evelyn was quiet. It worried me. She was crying quietly, watching me as I picked up the box.
“It was on the bed when I walked in.”
“What are you saying, Ev?”
The shrill sound of a phone ringing interrupted her. Evelyn’s eyes widened, her hands trembled as she answered the phone call, pressing the screen to put it on speaker.
“Evvie.”
Terror filled Evelyn's eyes as we looked at each other. Charles knew where she rested her head, and he wanted us to know.
“Do you like your surprise? Typically, when someone gets you a gift, you say thank you.” He barked out a laugh.
“How?” I gritted out. We had a team of twelve security personnel, all former military—this place was supposed to be our safe haven.
“Oh, Parker, buddy! Thank you for having me. Your home is lovely.”
“What do you want, Charles?” Evelyn asked, her voice desperate and breathy.
“To see you, of course. Consider the ring a loan.” He sniffed. “You can give it back to me when we see each other."
Charles spoke casually as if he were making plans for a coffee date.
“You won’t be seeing her anytime soon, you piece of shit. You’re going to make a mistake, and when you do, I’m going to make sure you pay for your crimes.”
I don’t wait for a response. I disconnect the call, letting my anger get the best of me, I send Evelyn’s phone hurling towards the wall.
“FUCK!”
“Parker.” Her voice cracks, and I forget my anger, going to the floor to meet her.
“I’m sorry, baby, I’m sorry.” Wrapping my arms around her, she leans on my chest.
“What are we going to do? He was here in this room.”
“I’m going to make some calls. We have other homes. I don’t need his permission. We’ll pack up and leave tomorrow. I’ll organize security on the way there.”
“Parker, listen?—”
“I’ll call Danny and get him updated. It’s probably best if you don’t go by Evelyn or Willow anymore.” I rambled, trying to think of every single detail.
“I don’t want to keep running, Parker.” Her outburst threw me off.
Charles had been in this room, most likely when we were having dinner nearby. He had gotten past trained guards and left a bloodied ring on her bed. I didn’t even want to stay the night, but we were both too exhausted to travel right now, and I had to make a suitable plan.
“What do you suggest? We wait for him to come back for you? You can’t be serious, Ev.”
