“A little. Was Evie ok this morning?”
“Better. She panicked when she woke and you’d gone, but as soon as we assured her you were just showering, she settled down. She was fine by the time she left with Mom and Dad.” Matt explained, and I was relieved. I was worried sick she would be traumatised by the whole thing. She had been a shaken mess the night before.
That’s good.”
“Here Chica, eat.” Matt placed a plate of eggs and bacon before me, with a kiss on my cheek and that sexy smile.
“Thanks Matt.” I returned his smile. I wasn’t remotely hungry, my appetite non-existent, but I picked up the fork and resolved to try and get something down, to make the guys feel better, if nothing else.
We all sat down at the island and ate in relative silence. I knew the guys were anxious about how I was going to handle what had happened the day before. I got that they were worried I would crumble on them, but I was feeling stronger than that. Yes. I had been terrified to see the monster of my nightmares before me once again, but getting away had also given me a new strength. It had reassured me I wasn’t the frightened girl who had been locked away for so many days and nights. It had affirmed that I was getting tougher and braver, and I needed that.
After breakfast, we all spent the rest of the morning together, needing the time to just be. I needed the guys around me, to make me feel secure, and they needed me close after what had happened the previous day.
We watched a couple of movies in the media room, and I dozed on and off, snuggled safely between them.
When Keira and Grant arrived home with Evie just after midday, it was time for Keira and I to head into the police precinct to make statements about the events of the attack.
Kade had offered to have uniforms come to the house to take the statements, but we didn’t want to put Evie through anything else that could worry her, and cops at the house would scare her.
Grant and Kyle insisted on accompanying us, and after what happened the day before neither Keira nor I were arguing. I’d happily never leave the house alone, ever again after facing The Shadow in that parking lot.
“You ok Baby?” Kyle asked as we climbed the steps, hand in hand, into the precinct Kade worked out of. I was trembling and I knew he felt it through our joined hands.
“Nervous. This place was chaotic last time I came here.” I replied honestly. I hated busy places, and now knowing The Shadow was looking for me again, the idea of unknown people around me, scared me even more.
“I’m not going to let anyone even close to you Liv. You’re safe, promise.” He assured me, as he pulled our clasped hands to his lips, and kissed my knuckles so gently.
I smiled up at him, knowing he was right; knowing he wouldn’t let The Shadow, or anyone hurt or take me.
We entered the foyer of the precinct and I was relieved to find it calmer than the last time I had been there with Cole. I was also delighted to see Kade stood at the side, leant casually against the wall, waiting for us.
He was leant back, one foot propped back against the wall as he tapped away on his cell. He was in dark jeans and a tighter than usual, very form fitting black polo t-shirt. His hair was wild, the result of him stressing out and running his hands through the strands. He looked like perfection to me, and I was desperate to run into his arms.
As if he sensed our arrival, he looked up and smiled first at his parents, who had entered ahead of us, then to Kyle and I.
His eyes locked on mine as he stalked toward me with purpose. Wanting to be in his arms, I released Kyle’s hand and started toward Kade too. We met in the middle, and I stepped into his open arms, and relished his tight embrace as he held me.
“Missed you, Love.” He sighed as he held me.
“I missed you too.” I agreed as I clung to him, my arms locked around his waist.
“Are you ok?” He stepped back, and held me at a distance as he looked me over.
“I am.” I said firmly, wanting to take some of the concern from his face. He looked me over once more, then nodded, as if satisfied with my answer. He tucked me against his side and wrapped his huge arm around my shoulders, holding me securely.
“Mom, are you doing ok?” He asked as he turned to where his parents and Kyle stood just behind us.
“I’m fine. I just want this monster stopped so Olivia can feel safe again.” Keira replied. She leant slightly against Grant and was gripping his hand tight. It was clear to me she was more shaken by the events of the day before than she was showing.
“That’s the plan.” Kade agreed with a nod.
“Have you got any new leads?” Grant asked.
“The license plates on the van were fake, but we picked it up on a few traffic cams and I have a BOLO out on it, and on him. His face isn’t in the system, so that was a dead end, but we’re getting closer. I can feel it. We’re going to get the fucker.”
“Rob has the info too, and we’re all working on leads. Kade’s right. It’s only a matter of time.” Kyle agreed.
I really hoped they were both right, partly for myself, because I wanted to be able to leave the house and not be looking over my shoulder for my torturer, but mainly for little Hailey. She had been at the hands of that monster for ten days already, and that was far too long. She needed to be
