Mr. Mitchell Billionaires' Club Book 2 - Raylin Marks Page 0,141

as fuck bastard who’d tracked them down.

“We’ll see you at the house.”

“Beach house?” Alex said.

“Right.” I nodded.

I was direct, and my only focus was on Avery and Addy. I peeled off my wetsuit while Avery peeled Addy out of hers and put on her cover-up. I hoisted Addison into my arms, and while Jake handed me my wallet, Ash gave Avery her bag.

“We’ve got this.” Ash smiled. “It’s going to be okay.”

I nodded and smiled at my sister and then took Avery’s hand in my free one. Once we were in the car, I tried to tease Addy while locking her into her car seat, but it was painfully obvious that she was not in the mood for fun and games. She was rattled. I couldn’t believe anyone could do that to their child, especially this sweet little girl.

I set my phone to connect to Avery’s car, knowing shit could go any direction once I got moving down the highway.

“I’m scared of vacation,” Addy said as I saw the tears streaming down Avery’s cheeks again.

I reached for Avery’s hand while exiting the parking lot. “It’s over now, sweetheart. We’re going to my house on the beach now, just as we planned,” I said, seeing tears welling up in her frightened eyes.

“No,” Addy said in a whimper, her eyes spilling out tears as she covered her tiny face. “I don’t want the beach.”

“Okay,” I rubbed Avery’s arm. I needed her with me right now. I didn’t want either of them to be alone. “Why don’t we—”

“Just take us home,” Avery said, trying to breathe it out.

“Why don’t I take you to my place in the Hills instead? It seemed to help you the last time?”

“That’s fine,” she said.

I glanced back, and Addy was staring blankly out of the window, sniveling. I had no idea how to console her. All I wanted was to find that mother fucker and beat the shit out of him for hurting these two sweet girls. The two most important people in my fucking life.

I called out for my phone to dial Jacob.

“Jake,” I said when he answered, “change of plans. We’re heading to my place in the Hills.” I looked at Avery. “You guys can do whatever.”

“It’s okay if they come. I’d actually like the company,” Avery managed to my surprise.

“All right. Let everyone know we’re meeting up at my place. Swing through a drive-through and load up on burgers and shakes,” I said, going for what I believed was comfort food.

“You’re asking a cardiovascular doctor to—”

“Jacob, please,” I cut him off. “You know what I’m asking you to do. Grab the happy meals too. Ash?” I said, knowing I was in earshot of her.

“Yeah, Jim,” she said. “We’re switching out cars at the house, and we’ll handle the food.”

“Thanks.”

After the call ended and we were cruising through my shortcut from Malibu up through to the Hills, I saw that Addy was sound asleep, and Avery’s head was resting against the headrest.

“I went ahead and pressed charges,” I said in a soft voice. “You won’t be seeing him for a while after he violated the terms of his probation,” I said, reaching for her hand as her leg bounced nervously where she sat.

“You didn’t need to do that,” she said solemnly.

What the fuck? The hell I didn’t, I thought. Her response hit me sideways, but I wasn’t willing to argue back at this point. That asshole needed to be behind bars or in a rehab center before ever being in the presence of the child again after his behavior today.

“You sure you’re okay with everyone at the house? It can be just us three,” I said, feeling her turn her hand up to intertwine her fingers with mine.

“I’m fine with it.” She shook her head. “Good God. What must they think of your girlfriend now?” She laughed in disgust.

“What I think.” I smiled, glancing to my left, changing lanes and getting the horsepower out of this car that I fucking needed right now.

“And what do you think?” Her humor was nonexistent and for a good reason.

“The guys and I would love to kick his ass,” I kept my voice low, so as not to wake Addison, who slept with a frown on her face. “Simple as that.”

“It’s my fault.” Avery shook her head. “I swear, fuck,” she said, looking out her window.

“What’s your fault? You didn’t tell him where you were going, did you?” I asked, partially wondering since she didn’t seem happy that I’d pressed