Page 85

He tilts his little blond head to the side, and I kiss his nose before plopping him into the ginormous crate we got him. The vet thinks he’s a golden retriever mix, and based on the size of his paws, she’s probably right.

He whines a little after I shut the door, but I close my heart off to the sad cries. My girl needs me more than our tiny monster does right now.

* * *

I should not have gotten to Kylie’s mom’s house as fast as I did, but as soon as I got in my truck, my gut started screaming at me to get there as fast as possible.

There was no slowing down my panic-driven arrival.

I bolt up to the side door and barge into the house. I’m sure that’ll piss off Shannon, but at this particular moment, I can’t be fucked to care. Voices carry down the hallway, making me frown. Why would they be in the front of the house? They usually talk in Shannon’s solarium.

I follow to where I can hear them talking. Kylie’s words have anger flashing through me, bright and hot, and then dread follows soon after.

“Let me go, Chris,” Kylie growls.

Why the hell is Chris in Shannon’s house, and why didn’t Kylie leave immediately after seeing him?

“Not until you tell me you forgive me and we can try again.”

I come to the doors of the formal sitting room, where Kylie’s pale face is pinched in anger. Chris looms behind her like a wraith prepared to do whatever necessary to take Kylie with him.

“If you don’t get your hands off her, I will end you right here and now.” Fury laces every word out of my mouth.

Anger flushes Chris’s face when he sees me. “You’re not a part of this, Reed. You’ve done enough damage.”

I do my best to soften my tone when I make eye contact with Kylie and hold my hand out for her. “Come on, Ladybug. Let’s go.”

“No!” Chris screams as if he’s a toddler. “She’s mine!”

The next moment happens as if it’s in slow motion. Chris pulls Kylie back by her arm, upending her balance and making her fall into him. He wasn’t ready for the full weight of her to land on him, and they go toppling backward.

“Kylie!” I lurch forward, trying to catch her before she falls, but she’s out of my reach too fast. They crash to the floor with a sickening sound. I almost can’t stomach finding its origin.

I race into the room, panic overpowering my logic as I scoop Kylie into my arms. Her wide eyes are full of shock when they meet mine. I immediately run my hands across her body to ensure she’s not bleeding anywhere. Her leggings are a little damp, but it’s not blood, thank god.

“Gray,” she whispers.

“I’m here, Ladybug. I’ve got you. It’s all going to be okay now.” I continue muttering assurances. At this point, they’re more for me than her. I kiss her forehead and then press mine to the top of her head. My heart is pounding as adrenaline continues pumping through me. “Are you okay? Are you hurt anywhere?”

She reaches up to cup my cheek. “Grayson. I’m okay. But my water broke.”

I blink at her, her words not quite making sense. “What?”

She grimaces down at her leggings, where fluid has soaked them. “My water broke. The baby’s coming.”

“But…you still have another week.”

“I guess Peanut decided to meet us early.”

“Oh my god.” I stand up with her in my arms, making her squeak. I spare one glance at Chris, who’s still on the floor, looking dazed. The side table they fell into is broken next to him, and there’s a small pool of blood under his head.

I walk away without another thought.

Shannon’s in the hallway, her hand covering her mouth. “What happened?”

“We’re going to the hospital because the baby is coming. And so help me god, if you try to see us, I’ll have you thrown out on your ass in front of everyone. We’ll call you when we’re ready to talk.”

She swallows hard, but I don’t wait for her response. I carry Kylie out of the house and get her situated in my truck.