Page 139 of Trapped Truth

Logic is telling me to turn and leave with that parting gift. But human instinct is a powerful force. The same unspoken motivator that drove me to hunt down Ember long after she outlived her usefulness to my business. Deep within me, something yearned for more.

It’s the same for Angela. I want more than a hurried goodbye and a few meaningless platitudes exchanged. That doesn’t make up for the decades of longing for the mother I never had. All this time, I’ve waited for her. This is my chance to retake something for myself.

“Do you mind if I touch you?” Her eyes dart over me, uncertain and furtive.

My indecision lasts a mere split-second.

Crossing the stained linoleum tiles, I bundle my mother into an embrace that feels predestined. Not least of all for the years it’s taken us to reach this moment—mother and son, arm in arm, united in our purpose.

She cradles the back of my head, stroking a hand over my hair. I nestle into her shoulder and breathe deeply. Her perfume is faint, but more than anything, she smells like a home I didn’t realise I had.

Not brick and mortar.

Belonging. Flesh and blood.

A real parent.

Releasing my teary-eyed mother is the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do. As I turn on my heel and stride away before I change my mind, one resolution is crystal clear through the chaotic war zone of emotions riding me hard.

I’ll free her.

Even if it’s the last thing I do.

CHAPTER 23

EMBER

DUST BOWL DANCE - MUMFORD & SONS

To say Sabre HQ is tense would be an understatement.

The entire building tremors with rising apprehension.

Everyone seems to be sensing the collective pressure of the past few weeks and months. Not to mention the recent spate of betrayals, including Kyle abandoning his team to sell us out. I’m sure office gossip has circled many theories about his death.

Personally, it’s hard to pluck up much regret or sympathy. I didn’t want to see him die. Nor did I enjoy watching innocent people get hurt or worse because of his actions. Grieving is one thing. Using that anguish to destroy the world around you can never be excusable.

Outside the packed debrief room, Hyland scowls at anyone who dares to observe him taking a breather. His lip curls back in a snarl as I approach, softening into a smile just for me when he spies my face.

“What took you so long, red?”

“I needed to freshen up and check in with Richards.” I shrug, stepping into his open arms.

“I want you by my side at all times until this is done.”

“I’m not sure that’s realistic, Hy. We can’t be glued at the hip.”

“Bet I could find a way to do that.” He nuzzles into my hair then kisses my earlobe, his tongue darting out briefly. “I’ve watched you walk off into the firing line one too many times.”

“We were perfectly safe at the meeting.”

“That didn’t make me feel any better about it.”

After all this time, I should be accustomed to his gruff over-protectiveness. I’m not sure if I’ll ever learn to accept it. But I can enjoy the solid heat of his muscles wrapped around me, blocking out the world and its chaos for a short while.

“I’m tired.” I squeeze him tighter.

“Want to rest in Warner’s office?”