I was here while she was at that party having to face her attacker alone. That thought sends a sinking feeling to the pit of my stomach.

  He was planning to do it again? If he ended up following through with that plan, I’d be in jail right now on a murder charge. Hell, if it wasn’t for the two little ones who own parts of my heart, sleeping just down the hall, I’d be grabbing my keys and going on a witch hunt right now.

  But I can’t. I have too much to lose, and I’m just so fucking grateful that he didn’t hurt her again.

  And as much as I hate Brody for everything he’s done to Ellie the past few months, I’m glad he was there to stop the sick fucker’s plans.

  The only thing keeping me from my breaking right alongside her is knowing that Tim didn’t succeed.

  Checking my phone, I see that Chase sent me the video proof of Tim’s admission. I immediately download it, saving it onto my phone. My finger hovers over the play button for a moment before I click the screen off, making it go black. Tossing my phone onto the countertop, I take my glasses off and put them down before letting out an exhausted sigh as I scrub my eyes with the heels of my hands.

  So many emotions are running through my mind and my brain is just fried right now.

  Moving over to the cupboard, I grab a glass before searching above the fridge to grab a bottle of vodka.

  Cracking open the new bottle, I pour myself a shot and take a drink of it straight. I wince as the liquid burns. It tastes like shit.

  I’m done with my first glass when someone knocks on the door, snapping me out of my daydream state. I look at the empty glass, then the bottle beside me, and shake my head. I can’t be getting drunk, not at a time like this. I wouldn’t be helping anyone in that state.

  Putting the cup in the sink and the bottle away, I answer the front door.

  “Hello, son,” my dad greets me when I open the door.

  “Dad,” I say, stepping back to let him in.

  “Your mother wanted me to check on you. Lilly had a nightmare so she and Toby are reading her a book to help her go back to sleep.”

  “Is she okay?” I hate the idea of Lilly being upset.

  “Oh, she's fine,” he says, waving his hand dismissively. “Something about losing her special stuffed dog. But she stopped crying when she realized it was all a dream, and the dog was in her arms.”

  I let out a sigh of relief. “Good.” I nod, moving to take a seat on the couch.

  “How are you doing?” Dad asks as he sits next to me.

  “Worried. Stressed. Angry.”

  “There’s been a lot of drama in her life the past few months. I don’t mean to step on anyone’s toes, but are you sure it’s worth all this? Being with her, I mean. She’s a wonderful lady, and I haven’t seen you this happy in years, but when will you guys just get to live your lives?”

  His words just piss me off more. I love my dad, but he’s not as involved in my life as my mom. “Is it worth it? Is having the most beautiful, strong, caring, and loving woman I could ever ask for, worth it? Is a woman who would give up everything to make sure her daughter has everything she needs, worth it? I’m gonna say this once. She is worth every single moment of it.” I’m getting worked up, the alcohol making my brain a little fuzzy.

  “I know, but—”

  “No!” I almost shout. “No buts. Ellie is my world, right alongside Toby. She and Lilly both are. They are my family. This isn’t my pain, my past, or my trauma, but it does belong to the woman who owns every inch of me. I will stand by her side and support her in everything she does, in everything that happens in her life. All of this is out of her control. What kind of man would I be to leave the love of my life because the universe keeps shitting on her?”

  “Okay, okay,” my dad says, raising his hands in a defensive manner.

  “No, it’s not okay. Would you leave Mom if a ton of horrible things were happening to her that she had no hand in?”

  He shakes his head. “Never.”

  “Exactly. Mom is your everything, and Ellie is mine.”

  “Alright. I understand. I’m sorry I said anything.”

  I feel bad for snapping at him, but I don’t want anyone thinking, for even a moment, that I would ever up and leave Ellie because this is too tough.

  We sit and talk about what’s going on in his life, and how the restaurant is doing while steering the conversation to a pleasant topic.

  When he leaves, I lock up, shut all the lights off, and head to Ellie’s room. She's whimpering in her sleep, and my heart breaks for her. I wish I could take away her pain. If I could, I would in a heartbeat. After stripping down to my boxers, I climb into bed next to Ellie and pull her into my arms, holding her close to my body. Her whimpers stop, and she lets out the smallest sigh as she snuggles into me.

  Ellie is worth it, and always will be.

  Chapter 2

  Ellie

  I wake up to the smell of fried eggs teasing my nose, and my belly rumbles in approval. Stretching out the night kinks, I lie in bed, waiting for my mind and body to wake up a little bit more.

  Come and Get Your Love by Redbone plays in the kitchen, and I smile knowing it’s one of Theo’s favorite songs. He’s so sweet to be making me breakfast.

  But the smile slips from my lips as my mind slowly starts to piece everything together. How did I get home? When did I see Theo last night?

  With my brows furrowed, I concentrate on the last thing I can remember from last night. My cheeks heat as I remember what Chase and I did.

  The things he said and the song he sang had my mind a mess. But then I remembered, I called Theo and told him everything. He didn’t seem mad because I did what he asked, I told him right away if anything happened between Chase and I.

  Then I remember going back out to the party and dancing with my friends.

  My eyes widen and my stomach drops as I recall the person who started dancing with me. I thought it was Chase at first, but I was oh, so very wrong.

  My head starts to pound as I remember everything including Brody attacking Tim. My heart does this little weird flutter at the fact that Brody defended me. He was outraged by the things Tim said he wanted to do and kept it from happening.

  But the feeling is short-lived because where was he the first time? When it was actually happening to me, he did nothing, believed the worst, and left me there like I was insignificant.

  My belly rumbles again, and as much as the events of last night sicken me, it doesn’t take away my need for Theo’s cooking.

  Stepping into the kitchen, my smile finds its way back onto my lips as I watch my sexy man dance around the island in nothing but his boxers and an apron. “Morning,” I call out.

  Theo spins around, a pan in one hand and a spatula in the other. He looks taken by surprise, but quickly gives me a sweet smile. “Good morning, sweetheart.”

  He puts everything down and turns off the stove before pulling me into his arms, placing a soft sweet kiss on my lips. “How are you feeling?” His eyes search my face as concern laces his.

  “Tired, but I think it’s more emotional than physical. I’m also hungry for your amazing cooking,” I say, eyeing up the plate of bacon and eggs.

  He lets out a husky chuckle that sends a tingle over my skin. “Anything you want, my love. I made it all for you.” He kisses the top of my head before grabbing two plates and bringing them over to the table. He puts them down and takes a seat.

  “I thought you said you made it all for me,” I tease, getting a raised brow and a half grin from him.

  “There are pancakes over there if you’re still hungry.” He nods his head behind me.

  “I think this may be enough. My eyes are bigger than my gut, but I think this time, I’ll be eating everything on my plate.” I pick up a piece of bacon and take a bite, moaning as the flavor hits my tongue, and my eyes roll back slightly.

  “Sweet girl, you’re not playing fair,” Theo growls, making my eyes flutter open to look at him.

  “How so?” I ask.

  “You can’t make noises like that. It makes me wanna throw you over my shoulder, take you to that couch, and fuck you until you’re screaming my name.” His eyes are glazed with lust like he would rather eat me than the food before him.

  Just to be a little brat, I lean back and look under the table. He wasn’t lying. His cock is hard and tented in his boxers. Suddenly, I’m craving something more than just bacon and eggs.

  “Love.” His voice is a warning, but it sends a thrill through me.

  “Sorry,” I say, straightening up again as I take a bite of my eggs.

  “No, you’re not,” he says, sounding amused.

  A massive grin takes over my face. “No, I’m not.”

  He rolls his eyes, but his smile is almost as big as mine.

  “Thank you,” I say. I feel bad for ruining this moment, but it needs to be said. “For coming to get me and bringing me home last night.”

  His face softens. “You know I’m always here for you, right?” I nod as he continues, “Do you want to talk about it?”

  Do I? Keeping my feelings bottled up and away from him doesn’t help anyone. And Theo is always so understanding and easy to talk to.

  “First, I wanna apologize about Chase. It kind of just...happened. I didn’t plan it.” I bite my lip, waiting for him to respond.

  “You have nothing to be sorry for. It’s your body. You have the right to do whatever you want with it and with whomever you want. You did as I asked and told me about it; you didn’t lie or keep secrets. You haven’t lied about how you feel about him, and you know where I stand. Everything else is in your court. If you choose to take this further with him and give him a chance to prove he’s worthy of you, then I’m okay with that. I love you, Ellie, and I just want you to be happy.”

  My eyes prick with tears because I will never not be surprised at how amazing this man is. And I can tell he means it too; he’s not just telling me what he thinks I want to hear.

  “I want you to be happy too, Theo. This isn’t just about me. You’re in this relationship too.”

  “I know.” He takes my hand in this, rubbing his thumb on the top. “And I am happy. Toby, you, and Lilly make me the happiest I’ve ever been. If we add more people to our lives, it doesn’t take away what we already have, and what we’ve built.”

  “You’re amazing, you know that?” I remind him.

  “And so are you. If you don’t mind me asking, what comes next?” he asks.

  That’s a wonderful question, isn’t it? What does come next?

  “Well, first, I need to talk to Rain and the guys about what they now know. I’d like to hear their thoughts. Then I need to find out how they’ve reacted to all of that, and see when it’s a good time to bring up Lilly. I know I have to tell them. There’s no more putting that off. I just don’t know how they will respond.”

  “I’ll be there with you if you need someone at your side,” he offers.

  “Thank you, but I think until all this is out in the open, it would be best if I talked to them myself. I just need a few days. School is starting back up, and my mind is a jumbled mess right now.”

  “Of course, love. You take all the time that you need. But maybe let the girls know you’re okay? They’ve been blowing up my phone. Val is being the drama queen she always is, and is convinced you’re dead because I won’t tell her the truth.” He grins, making me snort out a laugh.

  “Sounds like Val.” I shake my head.

  “Let me know if I’m overstepping, but I wanted to let you know something that could help you put Tim behind bars,” Theo says, making my smile fall yet again. Today is turning out to be a fucking emotional rollercoaster. And I’d like to get off now.

  “Theo, I told you. As much as I would love to see that sick man behind bars, there’s no evidence to prove he raped me. And just because Rain and the guys heard him admit it, it’s still their word against his.” Just thinking about Tim makes me want to take a shower and get this gross feeling off of me.

  “That’s the thing though, we have proof now,” he says, a hopeful look forming on his handsome face.

  My heart skips a beat. “What do you mean?”

  “They recorded the whole thing. I’m not sure why they were recording in the first place, but they happened to get everything on tape, including Tim confessing what he did on graduation night.” Theo’s face fills with rage. “And what he was planning on doing again last night.”

  “They did?” My voice is no more than a disbelieving whisper.

  “Yes, baby, and I have the video saved. If you choose to press charges, I think there is enough to put him behind bars where he belongs.”

  Looking away, I stare out the window, my eyes fixated on the little robin sitting on the windowsill as I take in this new information. This could work; this could help my case. But do I want to put myself through a whole legal case? I’d have to relive that night. I’d have to talk, out loud, to a judge and jury, telling them about the night that broke my soul.

  But if I don’t, can I live with myself if he goes out into the world and rapes another girl? I didn’t speak up back then, and the idea of him doing what he did to other women all these years makes me sick to my stomach. I’m no longer hungry for the food in front of me.

  Pushing my plate of food away, I look to Theo. “Alright. I’ll contact my dad and see if he knows any good lawyers. I’m not sure how I’m going to pay for one, but I know I won’t be able to live with myself if I don’t at least try.”

  “I’ll help out any way I can,” he says, pulling my chair over to him before hauling me onto his lap. I snuggle into him, feeling safe and protected as always. He kisses the top of my head, and we stay like this for a little while before I get up to shower. After I’m done, I call the girls, assuring them that I’m fine, or at least, I will be. I call Cooper next to tell him the same thing.

  There is one text message from Chase that says, I love you, Ellie Belly, and I’m here when you’re ready. We all are. And that’s all he or the others have said to me.

  But at least this time, it’s something positive and not a hateful, soul-crushing voicemail from Brody.

  “Mama!” Lilly’s sweet, little voice cheers when she sees me as she enters from the front door.

  “Lillypad,” I almost sob, not realizing how much I needed my little girl until this very moment. Scooping her up, I hug her tight to my body as her little arms wrap around my neck.

  “Missed you, Mama,” she says, placing a wet kiss on my cheek.

  “I missed you too, bug.” I pepper kisses all over her little face, and she starts to giggle, filling my heart with so much love.

  “Mama crying?” she asks, her hands rubbing the falling tears on my face. “Mama sad?”

  “No.” I shake my head. “I’m happy because I have my baby girl home.”

  It’s hard to stay mad, to be sad, or to think about anything bad in the world when I have the light of my life with me. Lilly is the reason I keep on going every day, the reason I strive to do better, and to give her the best life she deserves.

  Everything else can wait for tomorrow or the next day. Right now, I’m going to enjoy the rest of my weekend with my family, watch movies, and just feel the love of these three humans who own a big part of my heart.

  Chapter 3

  Brody

  “Mr. Creed, you’re free to go,” one of the officers says as he takes out his keys from his pocket and unlocks the cell door.

  I sit there for a moment, wondering how I’m able to leave when bail was five grand. Jax came last night to try to convince me to let him put up the bail, or go to my dad and get the money, but I told him no. I didn’t want help getting out of here and I didn’t want my dad getting involved. I have the money to pay myself, but apparently, they don’t let inmates do that. Something about too many repeat offenders using this place as a hotel bullshit.

  Honestly though, spending the weekend here was probably a good idea because if I got out, I would have gone straight to the hospital, found that scumbag, and finished what I started.

  The broken look in Jax’s eyes right before he left the precinct hurt like a punch to the gut. On top of seeing the fear in Ellie’s eyes as Tim told her what he had planned for her that night, and knowing that he’s already done it to her. It was like someone had shoved their hand into my chest, ripped my heart out, and crushed it before my eyes, turning it to dust.

  “Brody Creed, your bail has been dismissed, get your ass up and out of my station,” the officer repeats himself, sounding annoyed. Taking one last look at the drunk homeless man who’s been my cellmate this past weekend, I get up and follow the officer out.

  The downside of spending the night here was the hard bench, listening to other people bitch and complain, and the homeless man that smelled like piss and shit. It’s sad, really, and makes me happy for everything I have, like a house to live in and food to eat.

  “Who paid for it?” I ask, standing at the front counter as another officer hands me a bag with everything I had on me when they arrested me.

  “Paid what?” the officer asks.

  “My bail,” I say, cocking a brow.

  “That would be me.” A voice I know all too well for my liking comes from behind me, making my blood start to boil in an instant. She’s the last person I want to see right now. Hell, she’s the last person I’d ever want to see.

  “What the fuck are you doing here?” I ask, done with this whole conversation before it’s even started.

  “That’s no way to talk to your mom,” she huffs, crossing her arms, and making her boobs push up so that they’re practically falling out of her dress.

  “How many times do I have to tell you? You might have given birth to me, but you’re no mother of mine.” I turn away from her, grabbing the bag of my items, slipping my phone and wallet into my jeans pocket, before turning back to her. “Also, shouldn’t you be in the back, locked up with all the other prostitutes?” I ask, looking her up and down. She may be in a thousand dollar dress right now, but she wears it like a street walker.

 

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