Page 161 of Chaos

“He promised me things.” She shrugs.

I straighten my spine, looking at her new clothes and her designer shoes.

Of course. She’s only ever been interested in one thing; money.

“What does any of that have to do with me? Fuck who you want, Anna.”

Anna’s gaze fixes on Maeve and I can’t shake the feeling something is wrong. I position myself in front of her, obstructing her line of sight to my daughter.

Her lower lip trembles. “He’s scaring me. I need help.”

I sense she’s lying to me.

“What is he doing?”

I jump back as she abruptly gets up, her hands shaking. Instinctively, I stay where I am, stopping her from getting anywhere near Maeve.

“I need a coffee. I’ll make you one.” She pushes past me and starts looking through the canisters on the counter until she finds the pods.

What the hell?

After she puts a cup under the spout, she looks at her handbag and chews on her nails.

What if she’s in deeper than what I thought? Could Brody be behind all of this? To hurt Jax?

How far is he willing to go?

I’m not taking any risks. I know what Jax is out doing right now.

I slide my phone out of my back pocket.

“Ouch,” Anna cries out, doubling over, clutching onto her stomach dramatically.

I look up from my phone.

“What’s happened?” I ask, keeping my voice calm.

“Period pains, shit. Can you get me a tampon?”

“They’re in the cupboard in the bathroom, Anna.”

Does she seriously think I’m that dumb? She straightens herself as I step towards her bag. Her eyes go wide and she starts breathing rapidly.

“You need to tell me the truth or get the fuck out of my house,” I say.

Something is in her purse. The closer I get, the more her hands tremble.

“I-I can’t.”

“Oh whatever, Anna. I’m calling Jax.”

Her face pales. “I can’t let you do that.”

I don’t recognize her voice. As the cell rings, Anna launches herself at me. With a sudden snatch, she takes the phone from my grip and tosses it forcefully, causing it to soar across the room.

With my hands raised, I take a step back and assume a protective stance in front of Maeve, ready to defend her if necessary.

“I have to do this, Sof. I’m sorry. Brody wants her.” Her eyes are wild and her smile twists with malice as she stares past me at Maeve. “Would have been easier if you just took the drink. I wouldn’t have to hurt you.”