Clara huffs a sigh and leans back into the seat. “Whatever. Where are we going?”
“Alexis’ apartment building,” I tell her. “It’s the safest place for you to be right now, and she will want to see that you’re safe with her own eyes. A doctor will meet you there to check you out.”
“You’re not coming?” she asks, cocking a brow.
“No.” I untwist and face the front, indicating that the conversation is over. Not that Clara takes the hint.
“You should take me up yourself,” Clara says. “You’ll get loads of brownie points, and it could be a good way for you guys to start repairing the damage in your relationship.”
“I won’t be joining you.”
“Why do you have to be so stubborn?” Clara complains. “Just come in and see Alexis. See your son.”
I badly want to. I can picture Alexis’ face shining with relief, the gratitude that would send her crashing into my arms. She is going to be so happy to see that her best friend is safe. Clara is right; that moment could be the catalyst for us to reconcile.
But I can’t. Especially now that Clara has all but ordered me into the apartment. I can’t be seen being ordered around by anyone, never mind a recovering addict from outside the Family.
“Clara, if you know what’s good for you, you will shut the fuck up,” I growl in a way that makes it clear the matter is not up for discussion.
Blessedly, Clara doesn’t say another word.
10
Alexis
I have just finished putting Harry down for a nap and am about to grab a snack and head off for a nap myself when the two guards standing in my living room stiffen, listening intently to their earpieces.
I pause in front of Angelo, pleased that I demanded he be reassigned to my personal guard. I stare him down as he finishes listening to whatever orders are being piped into his ear. He waves me off like an annoying fly, mouth bent into a smile, but I simply wave back at him.
“What is it?” I ask.
“Shh!” he hisses.
“Don’t shh me!”
Angelo narrows his eyes and keeps listening, then nods to the other guard, who goes to stand by the front door.
“What is it?” I repeat anxiously.
“Calm down,” he says. “You have a visitor.”
My heart suddenly slams into the back of my ribs. A visitor? It must be Gabriel. Debbie wouldn’t drop by unannounced, and there’s certainly nobody else who would visit me out of the blue. I tried calling Clara a couple of times this morning and still haven’t been able to reach her, so I know she’s still MIA.
I race over to the hall mirror and check myself over. I’m so glad I decided to shower this morning. Being locked inside with nothing to do and only my guards for company has made the idea of marinating in my own filth more tempting with every day. I give my hair a quick flip, and when I turn around, Angelo’s lips are pressed together in a barely suppressed smile.
“Stop it,” I snap. “I’ve only had your ugly mug to look at for over a week now. Excuse me for getting excited.”
Angelo’s mug is far from ugly, and he knows it. He gasps and flings a hand over his heart in mock distress. I stick my tongue out at him.
The front door flings open, and my best friend staggers through, supported by one of the guards in the hall. I take in her haggard appearance, the split lip caked with dried blood, the stringy mats of curls on her head, and the sight of it all is enough to make me want to cry.
But then Clara grins. “Are you going to come give me a hug or not?”
I race over and wrap my arms around her frail form, shaking with relief. She smells awful, and she feels skinnier than ever, but she’s here. She’s alive. The guard holding her backs away, and I guide her to the sofa.
“Where the hell have you been?” I ask.
“A yoga retreat,” Clara deadpans.
“I’m serious.”
Angelo appears in front of us with a big glass of water and hands it to Clara. She looks up, smiling appreciatively. Only I think there’s a little something more than appreciation in her smile.
“Hey!” I snap in front of her face, drawing her attention back to me. “We need to get you to a doctor. You look awful.”
Clara shrugs and takes a sip of water. “Gabriel said he’s sending one over.”