“Okay, but know that one day Iwillcollect.”
I slide an envelope across the table. “I need this to get to Elsie. Tell her I’m sorry.” He takes the envelope and folds it, sliding it into his pocket.
“You want a drink whilst we wait? I’ll grab us some breakfast.”
“Please,” I call after him. He places our order, pays and comes back.
“They’ll bring it over when it’s ready.”
“Thanks.”
“So, that kiss…” he begins with a teasing smile.
“Nope,” I cut him off, popping the p.
“Is it a blood thing? Because I’m not one of them?” I pull a face. “Hate to break it to you, but Kalen aside, none of them are actually related.”
“Shut up,” I groan. The waitress approaches with our drinks and food on a tray. I tuck straight in.
“Because if it’s a family thing, I’m older than you, I could let you call me daddy, for a price.” He shoots me a wicked grin and I kick him under the table, whilst smiling sweetly.
“Fuck off, Branson.”
“Ooooh surnaming me, tough girl.” He laughs when I flip him off. I like this side of him, the banter is easy and relaxed. We could have been good friends. My brother and Smalls would definitely approve of my being friends with Baxter.
We sit and chat and pass the time, not talking about anything of consequence. Eventually though, Baxter checks his watch and tells me it’s time to go. I don’t hesitate. We pay and head out to the bike, taking the short trip back to the airstrip. When we pull up my blood freezes. There’s a car there waiting. A black limo.Laurais my first thought. Only she would willingly use that car. I climb off the back of Baxter’s bike and hand him my helmet.
“Thanks.” I don’t know what else to say.
“Listen to me, Amelie,” he says with some urgency. “In a minute whoever is in that car is going to get out. I don’t know what they’re going to do or say, but it will be to get you to stay. Just keep walking and get on that plane. No matter what.” I nod once and then surprise myself by flinging my arms around him for a hug.
“Alright, alright,” he says, pushing me off a moment later. His cheeks are a little pink. “Get going, kid. And don’t forget you owe me.”
“You’ve got my number,” I tell him, and I mean it. Idoowe him and I will settle my debts. Whatever he needs, whenever he needs it. I don’t look back, but I give him a wave over my shoulder, backpack in hand.
It’s not until my foot hits the first rung of the steps up to the door of the plane that I hear the car door opening. I’m desperate to turn around and see who it is, but I keep my promise to Baxter and begin the steady climb.
“Amelie, wait!” I’d know Kalen’s voice anywhere. I falter on the step.Be strong, Amelie, don’t turn back.
“Amelie, please,” Slate’s voice joins Kalen’s. I take another step. Then another.
“Amelie!” I hear the panic in Onyx’s voice.
“Stop!” It’s Sawyer’s command that has me stumbling. I’m so close to the top, a couple more steps and I can disappear onto the plane and be gone. Just like I wanted.Do it, take the step, I tell myself, but my feet don’t listen.
“Where is she going? Where are you going?” Kalen sounds frantic. “You can’t leave! Amelie!” Tears prick my eyes. No, no, no, I donotwant to cry in front of them.
“Amelie, just hear us out!” Slate begs. It's tempting. It really is. I’m leaving - nothing will stop me - but surely it won’t hurt to hear what they have to say?
A sudden sharp blast of a horn makes me jump, and I spin instinctively to see Baxter on his motorcycle shaking his head at me. His open face helmet visor is up and he mouths to me “keep going”.
“I love you, Amelie! Please!” Kalen’s desperation causes the first tear to fall, and as hard as I try to keep my eyes locked on Baxter’s, I fail. My gaze drops to the limo where all four Knox boys are standing staring at me. “Amelie, I’m so sorry. I promise you it was all a misunderstanding. Please let us put this right!” Kalen begs. Tears are streaming down his face.
“Amelie!” Slate calls, running his hands through his hair in anguish. “Our mum lied to us. We are so sorry. Don’t go. We can sort this out.” I shake my head. There’s no way they can put this right. Is there?
“I’ll never hurt you again,” Onyx promises. Three times he made a fool out of me. Why would I go back for more? Why am I still faltering though?
“Amelie, stay. We can help you. We’ll help you to get rid of Laura. We all know what she did to you. Let us take her down.” Kalen’s anger is palpable. I believe him, I really do. And if I had to stay, I would take him up on the offer. But the opportunity to leave is a few paces away. Ihaveto take it. I’ll never forgive myself if I don’t.
