Page 85 of Contentious

Julian gave his name and number, knowing Carson would prefer him to one of their parents. “I’ll make sure everyone gets the updates.”

After the doctor left them, there were lots of hugs and tears as everyone processed how close of a call they’d had. Thank God he was going to be okay.

“Hey, Cresley,” Julian said. “We’d like to move you to my grandfather’s house. It has excellent security, and there’s no official connection to Carson, so your ex wouldn’t think to look for you there.”

“He’s been following us. He might’ve seen Carson there.”

“Shit, that’s true. You guys can come to my place, then. We have two extra bedrooms that you can use for as long as you need them.”

“I wouldn’t want to bring this craziness to your home with Isla’s kids there, and besides, it wouldn’t take much effort for him to link you with Carson.”

“Use my rental in Laurel Canyon,” Isla said. “He’d never find you there. The kids and I can stay with Julian.” She glanced at him with a shy expression. “We’re practically living there now anyway.”

“Are you sure?”

“Absolutely. Let’s exchange numbers, and I’ll get you set up there.”

They touched their iPhones to download contact info.

“We’ll take you right to Isla’s place now, and one of us can go to your house to get whatever you need,” Julian said.

“Marlene can do that,” Cresley said, shifting her sleeping son to a more comfortable position.

“Can I take him for you?” Julian asked. “I’ll carry him to the car.”

“Thank you.” She transferred him to Julian and then shook out her arms to get the blood flowing again. “I appreciate your kindness. Both of you.”

“We have to keep you safe, or Carson will have our heads,” Julian said.

“I’ll be surprised if he ever speaks to me again after this.”

“Of course he will. He knows it’s not your fault.”

“Still, I walked him straight into a nightmare.”

“If I know Carson, and I know him as well as anyone does, all he’ll care about is that you two are safe.”

“I guess we’ll see what he has to say.”

“I’m sure his first question will be about you and Ty. Let’s get you settled so you can get some rest.”

“Thank you, Julian.”

* * *

Cresley felt like she’d been hit by a bus as she followed Julian and Isla to his Mercedes G-Wagon SUV as the sun began to rise.

Carson’s security team waited to escort them home in two black SUVs.

Isla opened the back door so Julian could gently deposit Ty into the booster seat that was already there and get him seat-belted.

Cresley hugged Marlene and said she’d send her the address of the rental Isla had offered her.

“I’ll run by the house and get everything you need,” Marlene said.

“Will the police let her in?” Cresley asked Julian.

“The incident happened in the yard, so the house shouldn’t be roped off, but if it is, let me know, and I’ll get you in.”