Page 47 of Freeing Emily
“I’m okay… I think. Ma is sleeping but she cried for a while.”
He nods in understanding and then sighs, combing his fingers through his sweaty strands.
“I’ll be meeting with the organization and our allies in the coming weeks. We need to discuss my transition to leadership,” his eyes pivot between mine for a moment.
“I don’t want you anywhere near my office when they’re here.”
I furrow my brows and tilt my head. “Why?”
“Right now, everyone is going to be circling around, waiting for me to fuck something up, or a weakness so they can take over. You and ma are that weakness.”
A chill travels down my spine and I can’t repress the shudder that escapes.
“O-okay,” I stutter.
Declan steps closer and cups the nape of my neck before bringing his forehead to mine.
“We’re going to be okay, but right now, I need you to stay hidden as much as possible until I show them who they answer to.”
I nod against his sticky skin and release a sigh.
He pulls his head away from mine and stares at me for a moment. When he opens his mouth, another knock interrupts whatever he was planning to say.
Rhys walks in and pulls me into his arms. The smell of sweat, dirt, and blood fills my voice and I cringe.
“I just showered,” I grumble.
He chuckles but the amusement doesn’t reach his eyes.
“Anything to report?” Declan asks, pulling Rhys’s attention from me.
“Liam is in surgery as we speak. The bullet nicked his artery but wasn’t too severe.”
I go rigid.
“Liam was hurt?”
Rhys looks into my eyes with an odd expression I can’t read before nodding and returning his gaze to Declan.
“He was shot in the leg and lost a lot of blood but he’s fine,” Declan says from behind me.
“He’ll be up and moving in no time,” Rhys adds.
The desire to go to Liam’s side is almost uncontrollable. I want to see him with my own eyes and ensure he’s truly okay. I know I can trust Declan and Rhys but the fear of not laying eyes on him outweighs that logic.
“Get some rest, it’s been a hard day for all of us.” Declan finally pulls me into his arms and kisses my temple. Rhys does the same, and they both leave me standing in the center of my room.
Do I go see him?
Will he even want me to?
With a huff, I toss myself onto my mattress and land on my back.
“Why did you have to make me fall for someone that doesn’t even want me?” I say to whatever God will listen.
Of course, there is no answer.
After what feels like forever, I decide it’s best if I don’t go and see him.