Arrogant Heir (The Heirs 2)

Mila’s the only one that matters now. I’ll do everything in my power to protect her and make her feel safe.

I wrap my arms tightly around her, and glancing over my shoulder, I shake my head so they don’t come closer. “Does she have to talk to you now?”

The doctor gives us a comforting smile. “No, we can come back later. She should talk to Officer Lane as soon as possible, though.”

“I…” Lifting her head, Mila gives me a pleading look, her voice filled with desperation, as she whispers, “Not now. I can’t remember much anyway.”

“I’ll leave my card, and you can contact me as soon as you’re ready,” Officer Lane says. “The sooner, the better. Every detail will help in the case against Mr. Green.” She hands the card to Mr. West before they all leave the room.

When we’re alone, Mila’s whole body is trembling, but she still lets go of me. She wraps her arms around her waist, and ducking her head low, she takes a step backward.

“I’m going to use the restroom,” she whispers.

Knowing I can’t follow her, I wait for the door to shut behind her before I rush out of the room.

Stepping into the hall, I hear Dr. Bower say, “…another factor that impacts the degree of trauma is how helpless the victim felt. For some individuals, memories of the events are fragmented and disconnected. It takes time for the victim to be able to place the pieces of the traumatic event into a chronological narrative. We have to be patient. It’s a long process.”

Victim.

The word grinds against everything inside of me, but I know it won’t help if I lose my shit right now. Stepping closer to the group, I ask, “Do you need Mila’s statement? Won’t mine be enough to prosecute Green?”

Officer Lane turns to me, and I remember my manners. Reaching out a hand, I shake hers as I explain, “I’m Jase Reyes. I was the one who found Mila. I gave my statement at the scene.”

“Mr. Reyes, yes, I’ve read your statement. I have some questions for you to answer.” Officer Lane flips open her notebook and asks, “Is now a good time?”

“Yes.” I want to get this over with, so I can get back to Mila.

“Is there someplace private we can talk?” Officer Lane asks Dr. Bower.

“Yes, just down the hall.”

Mr. West takes a step closer to me, and addressing the two women, he says, “I’ll be with my daughter while you question Jase.”

Officer Lane and I follow Dr. Bower to an office. She offers us both a seat, and I’m surprised when she sits down as well. When she sees my questioning gaze on her, she explains, “I’m also here for family and friends, Mr. Reyes. The experience must’ve been traumatizing to you as well.”

Traumatizing is the understatement of the fucking year.

I nod and turn my attention to Officer Lane, which has her asking, “Can you tell me again, in your own words, what happened the night of the attack?”

I didn’t expect that specific question, and it hits me square in the gut. I’ve managed to block the memories of last night from my thoughts so I could focus on Mila, but the question rips the scab off the fresh wound, and it fucking gushes through me.

After searching inside for Mila, I push through the exit door and step out of the club into the cold evening air.

This night went to shit, so fucking fast. It was like a speeding train derailing. One minute, things are finally at a good place between Mila and me, and the next, fucking Jessica happened.

While I lost my shit with Jessica, Mila disappeared. I wanted to follow after her immediately but knew I had to clear things up between Jessica and myself before trying to fix things with Mila.

“What a fucking mess,” I grumble as my eyes scan over the parking area. I walk a little forward when something catches my eye. Moving closer, I crouch down and frown at the random pair of heels.

Suddenly a desperate cry pierces the night, and it instantly makes the hair on my body rise. Darting to my feet, I search between the cars, thinking the owner of the shoes might’ve injured herself.

A hopeless wail comes from the direction of the side of the building, and it sends my heartbeat into overdrive. I break out into a run, instinctively knowing someone needs help.

When I round the corner and see a guy on top of a girl, my worry explodes into anger. The fucker’s white ass gleams in the moonlight as he moves on top of the girl.

Darting forward, I grab hold of his shoulders and yank him away from her. When I get a good look at his face and see that it’s Justin Green, I lose all my self-control and begin to beat the ever-loving shit out of him.