Page 12 of Four Fiances & I

“When Terry called yesterday, he said Christian was having issues with the screen and speakers on his phone because he accidentally knocked it into the sink. He is going to buy a new one today.”

I call bullshit, but I won't say anything in front of Jasmine.

“Why can't everyone just be home and safe?” Jasmine sniffs into my chest. Listening to her worry like this is breaking my heart in two. I wish there was something I could do to help put her mind at ease.

“Take it you have your car?” I ask Layton, who nods. “Then you take her home, and I’ll go and help keep watch at the safehouse with the Donavons until we have a better understanding of what’s happening.”

“What?” Jasmine exclaims, looking up at me, panicked. I place a hooked finger under her chin and tilt her head back so I can look her in the eye.

“I’m going to the safe house and will help the others keep an eye on Verity until we know if Travis is safe or if they have to run.” Leaning in, I press a kiss on her lips. “I will make sure your best friend is safe, Shorty.”

“But will that put you in danger?” Jasmine asks, her eyes wide. “I don’t want you to go missing as well.” I smile and shake my head.

“I dare anyone to try and stop me from returning to you.” I press another kiss on her lips and smile down at her. “Go get showered and dressed. I’ll just let Jason know what's happening.” Jasmine climbs to her feet and kisses me on the cheek before rushing towards the bathroom. I hold my hand out for Layton's phone, knowing mine will take too long to load up.

“It’s me,” I answer as soon as the phone stops ringing.

“I’m sorry. I know you wanted this time alone, but the shit has hit the fan-”

“It’s fine,” I answer, standing up and listening into the bathroom, where I can hear the water splashing as Jasmine showers. “I don’t have long, so tell me what's happening with Christian.”

“Nothing that we are aware of, but it's not like him to only communicate via Terry.”

“Do we think he’s been compromised?” There is always the possibility that someone has Terry's phone and is trying to lead us off track.

“If I hadn’t spoken to Terry myself, I would say yes. But he ensures that Christian is safe and well and hasn’t used a single safe word or trigger. All we can do is sit back and wait to see what happens.” I know he’s right, but my gut is telling me something is going on.

“Layton is bringing Shorty home. I’m going to lend a hand with the Donavons. They will need another set of eyes on the place.”

“Calvin has found someone who will be there in forty-eight hours. So stay until they arrive, then get out.”

“I will,” I sigh, pinching the bridge of my nose. I now have a roaring headache and feel completely deflated.

“How is Jazzy?” Jason asks. I hear the shower turning off and know I have to be quick.

“Devastated and worried. It’s why I’m going. I’m hoping it will give her some peace of mind.”

“You’re probably right. I’m staying at the house in case anything else comes to light with Christian, so send her home, and I will keep an eye on her. Sean is on his way back after staying with a mate last night. He should be home by the time Jazzy arrives.”

I hear Jasmine leaving the bathroom and want to get off the phone before she hears something she shouldn’t.

“I’ll let you know when she is on her way. Speak soon.” I don’t wait for my brother to answer before hanging up and tossing the phone back to Layton. Jasmine is my priority until she is safely away with Layton.

“We will be ready to go in ten minutes,” I tell him before walking into the bedroom and closing the door behind me. I turn to find Jasmine pulling on her underwear. I can see she’s been crying again, and I hate how much her mood has changed from last night when she fell asleep in my arms, happy and relaxed.

“Sorry this break hasn’t ended as you would have liked, Shorty,” I sigh, grabbing my jeans and pulling them on.

“Me too, Daddy. We will have to try again when everything has calmed down.” She walks over to me in her bra and tight jeans with a sad smile. “Thank you for a lovely time. I really did love that it was just the two of us for a bit.”

“Me too, Shorty. We will do it again soon.” Leaning down, I thread my fingers into her wet hair and tug until her head tilts back. “I promise I will always make time for us, no matter what.”

“I know you will. You always have,” she replies before I kiss her once more and release her so we can get dressed and out of here as quickly as possible, even though it’s the last thing I want to do.

ChapterSix

CHRISTIAN

It’s been four long days, and I have never been more relieved to finally be home.

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