Broken Trust(Devastation Duet #2) - Winter Paige Page 0,16

pants from my chair.

“It’s still dark. What the hell happened?” I pull on my jeans, grab my keys and wallet, and step into my boots.

“Something about the Laport house. I don’t know exactly, but from the way he’s acting, it’s bad.” Abel glances across the hall to E’s door. “Have you seen Jaxx? His room is empty.”

“We can peek in, but don’t wake her.”

“Costin… we promised.”

“To stop hiding things from her; I know, but she just got back, and we have no idea what’s going on. Let her sleep, and we will fill her in later if this turns into anything. Why wake her just to sit here and worry?”

I tie my shoes and stand, stretching. We cross to her door and creep over to her bed, watching them sleep. Lucky bastard is wrapped around her like he’s afraid someone will steal her away in the night. Can’t say I blame him.

“Jaxx,” I whisper, pinching him hard under his arm.

His eyes snap open while he pulls his Glock from the nightstand, leveling it on my chest in the blink of an eye.

“Fuck, man. On edge?” Abel laughs as Jaxx lowers the weapon, tucking it away.

“With her safety, yes.” He tugs the blanket up around her shoulders, “Why are you two here?”

“Andrew needs us. Immediately.” I motion to the door.

She stirs, and he runs his hand up and down her back soothingly, “It’s okay, baby. Go back to sleep.”

What. The. Fuck?

He slides out of the bed carefully, looking back at her sleeping form. “I told her I wouldn’t leave without letting her know.”

“So write her a note. We have to head down before Andrew comes looking for us.” I toss him a notebook and pen from his desk.

“Okay. I need to get her a new phone.” He scribbles out a quick note and sets the notebook on his pillow. Then, we follow him into the hallway.

“Baby?” I mock, “Really?”

“Don’t fucking start with me, Costin. She might be back, but she’s not back. I’m doing everything I can, but sounding like a fucking pervert by calling her Munchkin while we are engaged didn’t seem like the best move.”

“I hate this,” I seethe.

“Well, get over it. We have bigger issues.” Abel walks ahead of us. “Douglass Laporte’s home was broken into a few hours ago. We don’t know why, but-“

“About fucking time! We’re heading out now!” Andrew storms towards us, out the door, and onto his bike. “It’s connected. I know it is.”

“He’s riding?” Jaxx asks, eyes wide.

“He’s doing a lot of things these days, brother.” I shoulder past them and out the door, climbing onto my own bike and pulling out of the circle after Andrew. The faster we find answers, the faster I can get my girl back, and I want her back now.

Chapter Seven

Eliana

Rolling over, I notice the cold bed beside me and sigh. Day one, and I am alone… again. Oh look, a note. Goodie.

Baby, had to help Andrew with something. Not sure what yet, but I promise I will be back as soon as I can. Sorry I didn’t wake you, but you were sleeping so well, and I didn’t want to ruin it. I’ll have a phone for you later today.

I Love you, Jaxx

Well, isn’t that just fantastic. Guess I may as well get up. I dress comfy, forgoing shoes, and head down to the kitchen for a bottle of water.

“Oh, Richard, hey.” I start when I see him in the kitchen.

“You’re back.” He smiles. He really is a handsome man. He and daddy always gather attention from the women at my school. It used to bother me, but not so much now.

“Enjoyed your show, sweet girl.” He tickles my ribs, and I blush.

“Saw that, did ya?”

“Sure did. Care to dance?” he laughs holding out a hand, I place my much smaller hand in his, and he quickly spins me into his body.

“There’s no music, Richard.” I laugh as he sways us from side to side.

“Oh, no? From what I remember, you are pretty fantastic at making your own.” Blushing again, I duck my face into his chest. I always envied Bethany for having such a kind father. Quick with the compliments and warm, this is what I wanted with my dad. What I got was a fucking show.

My lip trembles, and I sniff at the thought. Richard slows the dance and tips my face up to his with a pointer finger under my chin.

“What is it, sweet girl?”

“I’m sorry.” I shake my head. “I’m okay, just-