Page 4 of Colton
When you’re fighting for your life, for your family, it’s about impact. The quicker you put your opponent down, the better for everyone. Becca’s all about leverage and finesse, so it’s been a fuckton of fun sparring with her. She’s only made me cry once this week, so I’ll call that a win.
She’s a badass, and I used to be a little in love with her. I even proposed to her once. I played it off like a joke, but I would have had her in front of a judge so fast that her head would spin. Didn’t matter that she was dating my brother. I was that hooked. I mean, she’d just destroyed Holly’s husband, Brent. She left him in a bloody mess on the floor of the garage. It was sexy as hell.
Now though, someone else is taking up my headspace. Plus, I would neveractuallypoach my brother’s woman.
By the time I pull into the secured section of our underground garage three hours later, the anxiousness that’s been humming along my skin is soothed. When I get in the elevator, I hit the button for the thirty-fourth floor, needing my fix. Exiting, I put my palm on the scanner, unlocking the apartment.
There’s no life here. The blankets on the couch are exactly where they were yesterday and the day before that. The countertops are pristine, the stainless steel fridge fingerprint free. I move through the space, the sunset over the lake creating a soft glow in the room. Pushing open the door to the main bedroom first, I see the king bed and the light blue bedding. I pull it off and wash it every week, just in case.
Just in case they actually come.
Turning, I move across the hall, running my fingers along the wood sign, tracing the gold glitter letters spelling out her name,Mia.Opening her door, I check everything is where it’s supposed to be before closing it again. I hate that it’s perfect. Un-lived in.
If I had my way, Evie and Mia would be here, in this apartment, where I…we could help them. I’ve asked about them every day for the last two months, and everyday Holly’s answer is the same,she’s not ready to come.The time for waiting is over. Declan’s been keeping tabs on her, and I’ve sent some of my guys to get eyes on the ground. I don’t like what I see. The baby, little Mia, looks like she’s thriving with a gently rounded belly and chubby cheeks. Evie though? Evie’s fading away. And I won’t fucking stand for it.
I haven’t ever met the woman, but I can’t stand knowing she’s out there in the world struggling. Not when I have the resources to help. She saved Holly. We’ll be forever in her debt just because of that. Because Holly brought Micah to life.
I don’t care what’s holding her back. It’s time to put some pressure on her to accept Holly’s invitation to visit. This is her home. She just doesn’t know it yet. Yes, it’s time to make things happen. Closing the door to the apartment softly, I’m determined to figure out a plan of attack.
My plans turn out to be useless when I get a text from Holly the next day.
Holly:Evie would like to visit. Can you help arrange it?
My heart in my throat, I reply. Fucking finally.
Me:I’ll take care of them. Leave it all to me.
3
EVIE
Ican’t sit still.
Mia’s still asleep in the bedroom for her afternoon nap, and I can’t stop pacing. I didn’t realize things were going to move this fast. I thought Holly might send us bus tickets, and we’d get to Chicago sometime tomorrow. Instead, a man named Colton sent me a message. Pulling open the text thread, I reread our messages.
Unknown:Hi Evie. This is Colton Miles. I’m a friend of Holly’s. I’m going to come and get you and your little girl. Can you be ready by four?
Me:How do you know Holly exactly?
Colton:Her man Micah is my brother. She’s family.
Me:Ok. I’m going to check with Holly.
Me:Yes, I can be ready by four.
Colton:Great. I’ll see you then.
Me:Don’t you need my address?
Colton:No, honey. I know where you live. Be there soon.
I had to check with Holly, but she vouched for him, told me I’d be super safe with him, and then told me not to judge the book by the cover.
I’m mentally preparing for Quasimodo to knock on my door any minute and practicing my calm face in the mirror. Before, a calm face was second nature. When you’re dealing with terrified parents and sick babies every day, calm is vital. Custodians, well, they blend into the woodwork, so other than Mia’s occasional owie, I haven’t needed it.
There’s a gentle knock on the door, and I have to suck in a breath. I dry my clammy hands on my too-loose jeans and move to the peephole. One quick glance sets my heart racing.
“Ah…you have the wrong door.”
