Page 39 of Our Little Dove

“We’ll find a way to make them pay,” Molly says, her voice filled with resolve.

I nod, then my mind drifts to Joel. She seems happy with him, and I can’t help but feel a pang of guilt for involving Molly in my mess and asking her not to tell my overprotective cousin.

“I don’t want to drag either of you into this,” I say, my voice laced with apprehension.

Molly’s expression falters slightly at the mention of Joel, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand. “Lexi, Joel would want to help you and so will I. We care about you.”

I chew on my bottom lip, thinking about what I plan to do. “I don’t think you should get involved. It’s safer that way,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Molly shakes her head, her determination unwavering. “Lexi, Joel and I are always here for you. We’re in this together.”

She is not taking no for an answer, but I need to do this on my own.

Despite Molly’s reassurances, a heavy weight settles in my chest. I appreciate her support, but I can’t bear the thought of putting her and Joel in harm’s way. They have their own lives, their own happiness to consider, and I refuse to jeopardize that.

“I appreciate it, M,” I say, my voice soft but firm. “But this is something I need to handle on my own.”

Molly’s brows furrow in concern, but she nods in understanding. “I get it, Lexi. But please, promise me you’ll be careful. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Promise me that you will ask for help if you need it.”

“Sure,” I say, a flicker of gratitude warming my heart at her genuine concern.

“Okay, I probably need to get back. I kind of left Joel in my apartment.”

I giggle and nod with a slight smile, “Sure thing, thanks for coming.”

As Molly rises from her seat on the floor, she flashes me another reassuring smile. I walk her to the door and watch as she climbs into her car before finally disappearing down the road.

A few weeks later

Weeks of meticulous planning have left me feeling isolated. I haven’t seen Molly or Joel in over a week, but I have stayed in contact. Joel didn’t seem to know anything when we went out despite the fact that Molly looked like she got caught with her hand in a cookie jar the entire night.

I miss them. I had to make sure that Molly kept her mouth shut about me seeking revenge on my own.

The relentless pursuit of revenge has consumed me, driving me to the heart of darkness itself. I spent a small fortune making sure my basement is ready for my kidnappers. I also purchased some goodies off the dark web to aid me since it is two against one after all.

I will need all the help I can get, and for once, my degree in IT and knowledge of coding and hacking has actually proven to be fun, albeit illegal.

Tonight, instead of lurking in the shadows, I find myself drawn to the pulsating heartbeat of Joel’s club, Hell’s Playground.

Texts can hide all sorts of information but the only way to know if she blabbed is if I see Joel face to face – without Molly.

The neon lights flicker overhead, casting an electric glow over the crowd of writhing bodies on the dance floor. I make my way to the bar, the thumping bass reverberating through my bones as I scan the room for Joel.

I know he is working tonight. Joel is a creature of habit and if he is not with Molly, he’s definitely here. He is the definition of a workaholic.

There he is, leaning against the bar with a devilish grin on his lips. Relief floods through me as I approach, the weight of my mission momentarily lifted by his familiar presence. We exchange greetings and laughter dances in the air between us as I tug at his green shirt with a smile.

Ah, the club is positively bursting with the charm of St. Patrick’s Day, a sea of green-clad partygoers dancing to the beats of remixed Irish tunes.

Joel’s eyes sparkle mischievously as he hands me a bright green drink, his voice barely audible over the pulsing music. I take a sip, the sweet liquid burning its way down my throat as I study Joel’s face for any hint of concern or anger.

But there is none. Molly really did keep it to herself, or my cousin is a very good actor.

He chats animatedly with me, seemingly oblivious to the storm brewing within me. As the night wears on and the club grows louder, I find myself relaxing in his company, letting go of the tension that has been coiled tightly within me for so long.

Joel and I have a few shots before he hands me another green cocktail. I didn’t realize how much I needed this. Hanging out with Joel almost makes me feel like nothing has changed. ThatIhaven’t changed.

But just as I begin to let my guard down, a familiar figure appears in the crowd. Molly. My heart thrums as she locks eyes with me, a knowing smile playing on her lips.

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