Page 131 of Downfall

“I did something.” Roman murmurs.

“What?”

“When we were getting her, I killed a woman. Shot her right in front of Lara.”

My head spins. I gasp looking at him.

“I just lost my temper. She was taunting me. She was holding Lara, she wouldn’t let her go.” He says like he’s trying to justify it. Like he needs to.

“Do you regret it?” I ask.

He shakes his head. “Only that Lara saw. That she witnessed it.”

“What did she do?”

He pauses, his eyes drifting to the sleeping child before us. “She told me that the woman was horrible to her.”

I let out a deep breath. “So she wasn’t scared?”

“She was but Sofia was there comforting her.”

“That should have been me.” The words leave my mouth before I can stop them. I hear the bitterness once more and start to apologise.

“No.” Roman whispers. “You’re right. If I’d known what I know now we would have gone together. Have rescued her together.”

I meet his gaze, fighting the tears. His hand slips into mine and he squeezes it just a little as he says. “She’s safe now. Safe with both of us.”

Rose

The next day I go to my house.

Bella half throws herself at me as I open the door and I only just manage to grab her in time. Mae comes rushing behind asking me where I’ve been, if I’m okay. I make up some excuse, then tell her that I’m going away for a bit, that I’m taking some time out and that she’s free to stay in the house while I’m gone.

She gives me a sympathetic look and mutters something about the ‘grieving process’ as if I’m still heartbroken over Paris.

As if I ever was.

I don’t reply. It’s easier to let her think that.

I rush up to my room, pull out a suitcase and pack only the things I need. I know the men Roman sent with me will be more than happy to help carry all my stuff but right now my senses are on edge, being back here, being away from Lara makes me feel nervous, vulnerable even.

I toss in the clothes, jewellery, items that in truth could be replaced if needed but I’d still be upset to lose and then I haul the bag down the stairs before Mitch, steps in and takes it off me.

“Anymore?” He asks.

“Just some things from the living room.” I reply.

He nods, wheeling the case out as I turn with Bella hot on my heels.

I scoop up her bed, make sure her favourite blanket and toys are inside and dump it by the front door then make my way into the living room. There’s only a few things in here that I want, a book, my jacket, nothing overly important but as I walk in I freeze.

My mother is stood, staring out through the bifolds with her back to me.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

She turns giving me a disappointed look. “Where have you been?”

“Away.” I say through gritted teeth.

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