Page 80 of Just My Luck

He held up his hands in surrender. “I know. Just tell me what you need me to do.”

I scanned his body. What I wanted was to curl into him and trust that the kids and I were safe. I raised my chin. “I’m going to confront whoever was trying to take my children without my permission. If it’s Jared, he’s getting a piece of my mind. I’ll be fine.”

I didn’t look back as I stomped through the automatic sliding glass door. As soon as I entered the library, I followed the raised voices behind the circulation desk.

Jared immediately came into view, and my blood ran cold. His cheeks were ruddy, and he was pointing an angry finger at Bug King. She looked thoroughly unimpressed. Emily stood beside her with her chin raised and arms crossed.

I stormed toward them. “What the hell is going on?”

All three heads whipped in my direction. An oily smile spread across Jared’s face. “Hi, Lolo.”

I planted my hands on my hips despite the wobble in my knees. “Don’t call me that. What are you doing here, Jared?”

His hands spread as he feigned innocence. “I just wanted to see the kids”—he gestured toward the women—“but these two are keeping them under lock and key.”

“I have an order of protection. You’re not allowed to be here.” My words were sure, but the wobble in my voice betrayed me.

Jared scoffed and raised a finger. “Correction. You have a protective order in California. It’s valid in Michigan if and when you register it. But you didn’t, did you, Lolo?”

Blood drained from my face.Fuck.

I was under the impression that my order of protection was a federal document and would automatically protect us—it was what my lawyer in California had told me.

“Look at you, Lolo.” His hand flicked in my direction. “Covered in dirt and living in this shithole town. You need to be taken care of... you know that.”

My stomach soured. Jared always had a cunning way of cutting me down and making me feel weak. I swiped my dirt-stained hands down my jean shorts, struggling to find strength in my voice.

His sickening smile widened, knowing he was already breaking me down. “I think”—he stepped forward, crowding my face as his hand wrapped around my biceps—“maybe you didn’t register the protective order because, deep down, you knew I would find you, and after some time, we would work everything out. Just like last time.”

His stale breath floated across my face as I tugged to free myself from his grip.

“If you want to keep that arm, I suggest you get your hands off my fucking wife.” The boom of Abel’s voice behind me sent shivers crawling down my back.

All eyes turned his way, and I froze. I had never seen Abel look as dark and menacing as he did standing in the library, staring at my ex-husband. Barely contained fury radiated from his pores as his fists clenched and his shoulders bunched.

If looks could kill, Jared would be a dead man.

With an aggressive flick, Jared released my arm, and I took a step back, rubbing the spot his hand had gripped me too tightly.

“You stupid bitch.” Venom spewed from Jared’s mouth. “I heard the rumors and thought, ‘No. She wouldn’t ever be that dumb.’ Guess I was wrong.”

“I’m calling the police.” Emily already had the telephone to her ear and was dialing.

My eyes bounced between the men. Abel didn’t need any trouble, and if things escalated, he could be in a seriously sticky situation, given his past. “No, it’s okay.”

“Mama!” Tillie’s sunny voice broke through the tension as she and the rest of the campers bounded down the stairs. She ran forward but came up short when her attention landed on Jared. Her eyes went wide with fear.

Jared crouched in front of her. “Hi, Tillie.” He gestured toward himself. “Come say hi to your dad, baby.”

Tillie took a tentative step backward before tucking herself into Abel’s side. Rage built in Jared’s eyes as he stood and watched Abel’s protective hand rub down Tillie’s back.

Ben emerged from between the group of children Emily had herded away from the scene. I opened my arms. “Come here, Benny. It’s okay.”

With wooden steps and frightened eyes, Ben came to me.

“I have a right to see my children.” Jared’s teeth ground together as he pointed at me. “This isn’t over.”

Abel stepped forward, placing the twins and me behind him in one fluid movement. “Do you want to end it right now?”