Pierced Hearts (Southern Charmers 1)

We’ve searched everywhere, and as far as I know, everyone we know is on the lookout. Miller and Evin haven’t let me out of their sight, and thankfully, they were close when the police shared what they found at Connie’s. One look at her was all it took for me to know she’d planted that for Maya to read. Unable to take the heat, she flung herself at me, dramatically apologizing over and over, sobbing real tears. Her parents stood by like zombies, unable to believe Connie would do something that malicious.

Miller and an officer removed her from me before I had the chance to physically react.

A strong hand grips my shoulder, and Evin jars me from my thoughts. “She’ll be here soon.”

“You heard from her?” I lunge for my phone.

“Not exactly. It’s the twin thing.”

“Fuck.” I scrub my hand across my forehead. “Wish you had something more than DNA telepathy.”

“Dad messaged. He took the golf cart out and did another round on the property. Still nothing, but he’s covering his ground.”

“It’s three in the morning.”

“He and Mom are restless. They want to feel like they’re helping.”

“Appreciate it. I’m about ready to hit the streets again, regardless of what the police advised.”

A series of short, shrill beeps come from the code on the front door. My heart picks up speed, and Miller leaps to his feet, all of us sharing a look filled with hope it’s the kids.

The door swings open, and the sight of Darby standing there slams into me with such force I’m momentarily struck immobile. She treads to me cautiously, holding my eyes captive, telling me a story without a word. She knows… She knows everything.

When she’s less than a foot away, I drop to my knees, yanking her to me. Her hands flatten on my scalp, and she caresses softly. “Guys, we need a moment.”

“You get your minutes, and then your ass is going to answer to me. Don’t you ever pull a stunt like this again,” Evin growls.

“Why don’t you tone down your overinflated testosterone and come with me. I’ll explain everything.” Stephanie’s voice filters into the room, but I can’t pull my head from Darby’s clutches.

The room clears, and Darby sinks down, laying her forehead to mine. “Any news?”

“Nothing.”

“We’ll find them.”

“You know she caused this.”

“I know.”

I run kisses across her lips, inhaling sharply to fill my senses with her scent. “How do I make this better?”

“We will make it better. You’re not alone in this anymore. We’ll deal with her after we find Maya and Cole.”

“I’ll deal with her.”

“You don’t understand. No more fighting this battle without me by your side. Constance Webber stole my happiness once. She’s not going to do it again. And I’m not going to let her ruin the lives of those beautiful children. Get it through your stubborn head; I’m not fragile. Whatever the fall-out of this is, we’ll deal together. As a family.”

It’s all I can do to remain upright on my knees. Her eyes are clear. No clouds of hesitation, no panic, no distress. They are bright, alert, and full of love. The hint of betrayal she always tried to hide is gone. I was prepared to spend the rest of my life working that betrayal out of her system, but she did it on her own. She’s also communicating she knows what the future holds. I’m not going to let this happen ever again. I want my kids full time, and she’s prepared to take that on—to raise my children in a house of love, even though they are the result of the darkest years of her life.

“Pierce, let’s go find them. Then we can process what happens next.”

I nod, gripping her tighter, unwilling to let her go. “Not knowing where you were these last few hours has been torture. I should have called you, filled you in, but don’t do that to me again.”

“Don’t do it to any of us,” Evin booms, still irritated, stomping back into the room.

I help her to her feet and stand, feeling the exhaustion in my bones.

“Quick version, to catch Pierce up. Once I remembered the Brasher private jet, things went into overdrive. I barely had time to coordinate my arrival with Stephanie’s. We knew everyone was busy here, and I didn’t want to distract from the important issues. What’s done is done, and here I am. Let’s move on.”

“Unless you have a superpower, we’re at a standstill. The police are searching, but our efforts of driving up and down the streets have been useless.”

“Let’s go to the shed.”

“I’ve checked the shed personally. Mom and Dad have been through the house, their basement, the stables, and Dad is currently patrolling in the golf cart. If you want, he’ll go to the shed,” Evin responds.

“Call him and Mom and tell them to shut down for the night and pretend to go to bed. If Maya and Cole are there, they need to feel like it’s a safe place.”