“I know.” I sigh. “It just feels like we’re the only ones, you know?”
“I do know.” Dad kisses my forehead before putting me at arms length. “Let’s get the breakfast plated up.”
We do just that and I take my seat next to Hunter. Carrie eats better than she did the night before and I have a feeling that has more to do with the fact that she’s finally admitted the truth to us.
“What are we going to do now?” I ask once Hunter and Julian have cleared their plates.
“We’re going to give Carrie over to Colin who has protection set up for her, and I’m going to ask him for backup around here,” Hunter answers. “Then, we’re going to put more pressure on the street to find him.”
“Earring,” Julian says, drawing all eyes to himself.
“What about it?” Hunter queries.
“We’re still missing one.” Julian stares at Carrie who looks nervous.
“Carrie? Did you tell us everything?” I ask, a bad feeling settles into the pit of my stomach.
“Parker,” she whispers.
I quickly glance at Julian and see real fear on his face. “What?” he says the word sounding lethal.
“I’m sorry. It’s in Parker’s bag.” Carrie starts crying again, and this time I’m sure it’s out of fear of Julian than about anything she’s done.
Julian pushes back from the table sending his chair flying backwards, and when he leans on the kitchen table, both of his fists are clenched as his head dips to his chest.
He breathes deeply and finally looks at a terrified Carrie. “If anything happens to her, I’m turning you back over to them.” He turns and heads out of the kitchen with Hunter close on his tail.
Turn the page for the story to continue in Julian…
JULIAN
23
Julian
Heading toward the front door to go after Parker, Hunter grabs ahold of my arm, lost in my temper, I sw
ing for him, but luckily he dodges my fist. I close my eyes and try to rein in my emotion, trying not to think about what that bitch, Carrie, has done.
“I’m coming with you,” Hunter adds in a voice that means he won’t be swayed otherwise.
I snap my eyes open and meet his. “I’m sorry.” I exhale in frustration. “I appreciate the backup, but I’d feel better if you stayed here and made sure Gia is okay.” Hunter opens his mouth to protest. “Don’t Hunter. You know I’m right. She certainly can’t come with us, and even though her father is here, your head would be here with her… I’ll call if I need help.”
Hunter laughs. “You won’t call.”
I smirk. “Know me too well, huh?”
He nods.
“Look, with a bit of luck I’m going to find Parker and bring her back here whether she wants to come or not.” He shrugs. “If I need to use force then I will, but she’s going to be safe even if she never talks to me again.”
Hunter holds my gaze. “Go… If you’re not back in an hour, I’m coming after you.”
“I can live with that.” With one last look at Hunter, I head out, and minutes later I’m speeding toward Parker’s house.
The stubborn woman had gotten under my skin from the moment we’d met when I appeared to help Hunter protect Gia, over twelve months ago now. I tried to put her out of my mind because of the difference in our ages, but this time around she’d wiggled her way into my heart, which was proving damn inconvenient for the both of us.
And because I’m an asshole, I let her go—a damn big mistake that I hoped to hell I don’t live to regret.