Only Ever Yours

I glance out the window, seeing what she’s talking about, as my phone rings in my pocket. “Isaac Petrosian,” I answer, watching the red and orange flames seep from my goddamn warehouse.

“This is Atlas security. A fire has been reported at 2551 Marina Dr. The fire department is on their way. Is everyone safe or do we need to send an ambulance?”

“I have no fucking clue.”

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CAMILLA

Not wanting to get in the way, I watch Isaac for hours handle the fire. In the pit of my stomach I know who was responsible for this—James. I warned Isaac not to mess with him, but he didn’t listen. I get it… he’s bigger and badder than James. He has more money and owns more property, but he isn’t crazy like him. I’ve seen what James is capable of. I watched him and his father throw my father under the bus without even blinking an eye. He thinks—no, he knows he’s above the law and he’ll stop at nothing to make sure he ends up on top. And Isaac is currently in his way.

When the fire trucks, ambulance, and police finally leave and Isaac doesn’t come home, I head down there to check on him. When I enter the warehouse, it’s stifling hot and smells like a bonfire gone bad. There’s an area blocked off with yellow tape, so I walk around it in search of Isaac, finding him on the other side talking to someone.

“I want to know everything there is to know about him… Make it a priority.” When he pauses and no one else speaks, I realize he must be on the phone. Not wanting to disturb him, I consider going home, but adrenaline is coursing through my veins. Isaac could’ve been in here, he could’ve been hurt or worse, killed. So, without thought, I step into the large room, where I find him on the phone and Noah standing next to him.

Isaac’s eyes lock with mine, and he juts his chin, silently calling me to him. I cut across the open area and go straight into his arms, burrowing my face into his chest, while he finishes his call. He smells like his usual cedarwood, but it’s mixed with soot, and the thought of him being caught in the fire forces a sob from my throat. When he hangs up, he glances down at me, tilting my chin up.

“What’s wrong?”

“I just had to feel you,” I tell him honestly. “You could’ve been in here…” I shake my head, unable to finish my thoughts out loud.

“The damage was minimal. I have fireproof walls and they contained the fire to only one small area. Whoever started it, either didn’t know, or was only trying to make a point. Nothing was damaged.”

“Whoever?” I squeak. “You know who did this. James.”

“Probably. The cameras only show a person in all black, with a hoodie covering his head and a mask over his face, so there’s no proof. They gathered some fingerprints, but I doubt anything will pan out. He’d have to be in the system.”

“So, what’s our next move?” Noah asks, his voice filled with rage.

“No!” I step out of Isaac’s hold. “No move. You don’t do anything. You leave him alone, unless you want to end up blacklisted from the town like me, unable to get a job anywhere, or in prison like my dad. And let’s not forget about his mother, who vanished off the face of the planet after she was caught cheating on his dad.” I had always assumed she ran scared, but after watching the way they successfully framed my father, who knows what they’re capable of.

Noah opens his mouth to argue, but Isaac raises his hand and shakes his head. “We’ll talk tomorrow.”

“When I’m not around,” I finish for him. “Fine, go ahead. Go after him, retaliate. But I’m not going to be here while you do it.” I sear my gaze into Isaac. “I already lost my dad because of them. I’m not going to lose you too.”

“You’re not going to lose me.” He steps toward me, but I back up.

“You’re right. Because I’m done.” I raise my hands in the air, silently waving the white flag. “I’m moving out.”

Noah groans and Isaac’s eyes go wide in shock and confusion before his face morphs into what looks like fear. “Like hell you are.”

“Yes, I am. I’m not going to sit by and watch while another person I care about either ends up in jail or six feet under.” I turn on my heel and stomp away—fully aware I sound like a child, but not caring, because my heart can’t handle losing another person, and I meant every word I just said. I won’t stay and watch helplessly like I was forced to do with my mom and dad.