Page 91 of Stolen Dreams

And then Kaya is there. Her gentle hands on my face, grounding me. Her warm voice in my ear, snuffing out my panic as she coaches me to breathe.

“Give me some of that hurt.” She presses a kiss to my forehead. “Give me some of that fear.”

The backs of my eyes burn as I lift my gaze to hers. Pain explodes in my knees as I drop to the ground and fall backon my haunches. Tremors shake every muscle in my body as I stare into her eyes and relinquish a fraction of the heartache I’ve shouldered for far too long.

One fallen tear is all it takes for the floodgates to open. And for the first time in years, I rip open my chest and expose my heart fully. I put my vulnerability on the line and pray Kaya keeps it safe.

Crawling onto my lap, she wraps her arms and legs around me in the middle of the parking lot. Hugs me so fiercely it hurts. But I want nothing less.

I squeeze her to my chest and cry into the crook of her neck. Spill my anguish in a rivulet of tears onto her skin. Release an ounce of my dread as I fist her top and keep her close. Minutes tick by, but she doesn’t let go. Doesn’t complain. Doesn’t shove me away. If anything, she strengthens her hold. Runs her fingers through my hair. Rocks us gently. Hums softly in my ear.

When the tears run dry, I loosen my hold of her and lean back. Sniffle and wipe my nose on the sleeve of my coat. “Thanks, Fire Eyes.”

Her fingers trace my hairline, then comb through the thick strands. “Any time.”

I love how she means it.

“You should get going.” I stand us up and smooth out her hair.

“I’ll stay longer if you need me to.”

My fingers toy with the end of her braid. “I’m good now.” A sad smile tugs at my lips. “Need to see if my parents or Abi can watch Tucker for a bit.” I wave the note between us. “Barron Law handled Bri’s parental rights surrender paperwork. Maybe they can help with this.”

“Hope so.” Kaya lays her hands on my chest over my heart. “Might be good to talk with the police or Tymber Woulf Security,too.” Lines mar her forehead. “If you’re worried about Tucker’s or your safety.”

I hate that it’s something I need to think about, let alone worry over. But Kaya’s right. Better to err on the side of caution.

“Thanks for the suggestion, Fire Eyes. I’ll go there afterward.”

“Hurts to leave you like this,” she admits, a breath above a whisper.

Eyes on hers, I press a chaste kiss to her lips. “If it makes you feel better, I don’t want you to go. But I know you need to.” I take a step back, toy with her braid then release it. “Come over after the rec center.”

She nods. “Nowhere else I’d rather be.”

I inhale a shaky breath. “Thanks for catching me, Fire Eyes.”

Tears rim her glittery eyes. “Always, Chef.” She slips into the driver’s seat. “See you soon.”

I lift a hand and wave. “Soon,” I repeat.

And until her car disappears from view, I remain rooted in place, my fear from minutes ago trickling back in.

Scarlett Barron assures me Brianna cannot touch Tucker—legally.

“Your paperwork is ironclad. If she so much as talks to Tucker without your permission, you have the right to seek legal counsel and protection.” She skims the note one last time then returns it. “As for this, I’d talk with Chief Emerson. From our previous conversations, we both know Brianna is unstable. Someone who’d go to extremes. And that’s dangerous.” With a dip of her head, she gestures to the note. “The money she demanded… she’s in deep. You don’t want that trouble knockingon your door.” She hesitates for a breath. “Or disrupting Tucker’s life. Not any more than it already has.”

Elbow on the conference room table, I drop my head in my hand and mutter a curse. Squeezing my temples until pain shoots across my forehead, I drop my hand and sit up.

“I wish I had a more positive solution for you.” A sympathetic smile curves her lips. “Go see Emerson and get everything on paper. If she continues to harass you, the documentation helps build your case.”

Fuck.

“Police station was next on my list.” I shove the note in the envelope. “Have you worked with the new security firm? Was thinking they could investigate Brianna more. Maybe give me an idea of what I’m up against.”

“Tymber and Levi are an asset in the community. Worth every cent.” Scarlett’s praise of the small security and investigation company eases some of my stress.

“Appreciate your candor.” Wheels whisper over wood as I push away from the table, rise from my seat, and offer my hand. “I’ll let you know if anything else comes up.”