Page 36 of Cyber
“Sometimes you are seriously over dramatic.” Grinning, I scanned the park in front of us. “Heads up.”
Instantly he turned, his eyes following my gaze.
“That's her?” He shot me a look. After glancing down at the picture in my hand and then back at the little girl who was running across the grass, I nodded.
My throat was suddenly dry.
Was that my daughter?
“She's a cute thing. I can see her being Iris’, but yours?” Monster chuckled. “I don't know about that.”
“Fuck off.” I knew he was joking, but I was in no mood for it. There was no doubt in my mind that the giggling child was Violet, and that she was my kid. Pushing my way into the park, I headed towards where she had stopped.
The woman she had been running in front of froze. Her eyes clocked the cuts on our backs straight away. Whether she knew who we were or not didn’t matter. She knew that we didn’t belong. That we were dangerous. And she had every right to be scared.
Hell, she should’ve been petrified.
“Come here.” Her voice was heavily accented, and the little girl turned towards her.
I had to be sure. “Violet?” I kept my voice soft. The last thing I wanted to do was scare her. I knew how I looked.
Her head turned in my direction instantly, and a tiny line appeared between slender dark brows. She looked just like Iris when she frowned.
“Hey.” I forced myself to smile as I crouched down. “It is Violet, isn't it?” I could feel Monster’s eyes on my back.
“I'm not allowed to talk to strangers.” Her voice was tiny. She looked confused.
I couldn't speak for a moment. This little girl was mine. My mouth opened and no sound came out.
“We aren't strangers, we are friends with your mom,” Monster said from behind me.
The rosy cheeked face lit up, her head turning every which way as her eyes searched for her mother. “Is momma here?”
“No.” Finally I found my voice. “But she sent us to make sure you are ok. She really wanted to come.”
“I miss her.”
Standing, I threw a glance over my shoulder. Monster shook his head. He knew without me saying a word that I was about to do something stupid. I ignored him totally.
“She misses you as well. She's been so sad without you, Violet. That's why we are going to take you home to her.”
“I get to go see momma? Live with her again?” Her hopeful face lifted. “Are the mean men there? The ones that used to make momma cry?” Her small foot stomped down. “I hate those bad men.”
My heart shattered. She was so small, and so brave. Like her mom. “No, sweetheart, there's no more bad men. I promise all the bad men have gone away.” Or at least they were going to all go away. It was one promise I would keep even if it killed me.
Holding my arms out, I waited for her to take my hand. Instead, she launched herself at me. I caught her easily; she weighed no more than a feather. Violet was my child, and this was our first meeting, the first time I had ever held her.
“You can't just take her. She's…”
With a snarl, I turned towards the woman, and it was only Monster’s hand coming down on my arm that stopped me from committing violence with my daughter in my arms.
Calmly, like he was talking to an old friend, he grinned down at her. “You can tell your employers that we will take good care of Violet. Her mom says thanks for looking after her.”
“I'm calling the police.”
Monster’s smile only grew. “You do that, love. I'm sure they will be very interested in hearing the whole story and delving into your boss's business.” He had her over a barrel and she knew it. That was the thing about Monster: he had the looks of an angel and would smile as he ripped you a new one. “Ready?” He glanced at me.
“Are you ready to go and see your mom, sweetheart?” I looked down at the child in my arms. “Are you ready to go home?”
