Page 43 of Ruthless Secrets
“Not until Marco gets here.”
“I don’t need a babysitter.” Though I do appreciate not being alone when some psychopath knows where I live. Levi is an intimidating man, and I’m sure he’s not unarmed.
The thought should make me more nervous than it does.But my worst nightmare came true tonight, and if I can get through that, then I can get through anything.
“Marco doesn’t agree.”
Of course, he doesn’t.
As much as it pains me to admit it, Zoe and I aren’t safe staying in this apartment. But that doesn’t mean I want to move into Marco’s brother’s house.
I don’t know what kind of mess Marco is caught up in, but I don’t want any part of it.
Maybe I can give Sam a call, and Zoe and I can stay at her place until all of this blows over.
Once my tears have finally run dry, I get to my feet and start picking out some of Zoe’s favorite toys from her toy basket. Even if we have to stay at Sam’s for the next few days, I want to make her feel as settled as possible. I pack up all of her favorite soft toys and books as well as her bedtime essentials like her sound machine and lotions.
After I’ve sorted out Zoe’s things, I realize that I’m going to need a bag too, so I quickly throw a handful of clothes and toiletries into another bag and carry them through to the living room.
“How much longer is Marco going to be?”
Levi pulls out his phone and quickly types out a message. “Marco is here.”
“About time.”
Levi pretends not to hear me, which I appreciate. I’m in a foul mood and utterly exhausted.
I hope that Marco decides to wait to fight me over my decision to keep Zoe from him until tomorrow because all I want is to spend the rest of the night cuddling my baby.
Between the two of us, Levi and I carry all of Zoe’s things down the stairs and out onto the street where Marco is waiting.
His face is like stone as he eyes all of the bags, but Iignore him. All I care about is being reunited with my daughter.
“Zoe?” I drop the bags on the sidewalk and rush over to the car.
But when I throw open the door and find the back seat empty, my knees almost give out.
I round on Marco. “Where is she? Where is my baby?”
Marco picks up the discarded bags. “Relax, she’s with my sister-in-law.”
“Why the hell didn’t you bring her?”
“I told you she is staying at my brother’s place.”
I can’t believe him.
“You still could have brought her with you to pick me up.”
“It was too risky.”
“Fuck you. You’re punishing me for not telling you about Zoe.”
Anger flashes in Marco’s eyes, and the muscle in his jaw ticks as he takes a step toward me.
“Think what you want of me, Clara. I don’t care. But I’m not going to risk Zoe’s life just to make you feel better.”
“Feel better? My child was kidnapped because ofyou!”
