them, I’d kill her for breaking these kids. “If she comes back I promise I’ll be good.”
“No, Sam. You’re the best little boy in the world. Mommy didn’t want to go, but she had to for a while. It made her so upset to leave you because she loves you so, so much.”
I reached into my pocket for a tissue. The photo of mom and the mystery man came out too. I quickly shoved it back in my pocket, but not before Sam caught a glimpse.
“Michael.” He said, pointing to my pocket. I drew in a breath. Sam knew him?
Chapter Twenty-Six
Devon kneeled down next to Sam’s bed, “Hi Sam. Remember me?” Sam nodded, rolling his eyes.
“You’re always here.” I let out a laugh as Devon actually blushed.
I’d called him the moment I’d realized Sam knew this Michael guy, and he’d come right over.
Devon handed the picture to Sam, ignoring my obvious amusement, “You recognize this man, Sam?” he asked, pointing to the picture. Sam nodded again, his green eyes wide.
“He came over sometimes when Neri and I were sleeping. One time I got up to get a drink and I heard him and Mommy. Mommy kept calling him Michael.” Devon glanced at me. I shrugged. This was all news to me.
“Hey Sam, when did you last see Michael?” I asked. Sam looked at me, his face grew creased as he concentrated, as if trying to remember.
“The night before mommy left.” Sam said slowly, “Neri wasn’t there. She was at her friend’s. Sometimes I’d wake up scared, and couldn’t go back to sleep. I heard mommy arguing with him. She took me to kinder the next morning.”
“Sam, this is really, really important. Did you see Michael leave during the night?” Devon’s voice was full of urgency. Sam shook his head.
“I fell back asleep though. I don’t know. I don’t go in mommy’s room. I-I get in trouble.” His bottom lip quivered as another wave of tears threatened to pour out.
“It’s okay, Sam. You’re a good boy. So brave.” I reached down and hugged him, giving Devon a look over his shoulder that made it clear question time was over. I nudged my head toward the door. He nodded.
“I’ll wait in the kitchen.” He whispered.
I stayed with Sam until he finally fell back asleep. Backing out of the room, I switched off the light and closed the door.
“Poor kid.” Devon commented as I walked into the kitchen, “Is he okay?”
I nodded, filling the coffee jug, “He’s asleep. What does all this mean?” Devon shrugged. I slammed two cups down on the counter, frustrated he didn’t have the answers.
“Hey.” Devon moved around the counter until he was standing right behind me, “It will be okay. We will find this guy, and if he has any connection with your mother, we will find that too.” I turned around, and leaned against the sink, letting his hands grasp my waist.
“I just feel so sad for the kids, Devon. I hate they are going through this.” I raised my head, my eyes level with his own.
God, his eyes were so deep, so full of emotion. It pained him to look at me, I could see that. He wanted to kiss me, the way his lips twitched when he looked at mine told me that. I pushed myself off the sink, bringing my body flush against his. I could feel him harden at my touch.
He raised his eyebrow ever so slightly, a look of need flashing in his eyes. I jumped, as he moved his arm behind my waist and pushed himself against me. I quickly realized he was hard.
“See what you do to me, Kait?” He mumbled in my ear.
He kissed my neck, my cheek, and finally my lips. My hand ran over the back of his neck as I kissed him back with just as much force, just as much need.
“God Kait, you drive me mental. I can’t think around you.” He breathed.
“Then don’t think.” I kissed him again, this time running my palm over his hardness. He gasped, his expression pained. I molded my lips over his before he could tell me no. As I felt his defenses float away, I finally pulled back.
“Don’t think, Devon. If you want me as much as you say you do, then prove it.”
He shook his head, letting out a bitter laugh. He grabbed his keys and turned to face me.
“I do want you. I think I’ve made that blatantly obvious. I’m not going to stay here and