Page 105 of Freeing Denver
“Gentlemen first,” Kitrick says to Sebastian, disdain burning in his eyes. Sebastian goes into the room, and I lock eyes with Kitrick and shake my head.
“Don’t,” I mouth. His brows pull together. “Trust. Me.”
Kitrick looks like he’s battling confusion and desperation as I go into my bedroom and shut the door.
Almost immediately, I’m in Sebastian’s arms.
“I’m sorry,” he whispers as I wrap my arms around his neck. “I had to pretend, I …” He pulls back and cups my face. “Are you okay?”
I nod, but I’m close to numb. “This is Colt’s plan?”
His smile is weak. “Yeah. I needed to check you were actually here. Colt is on the other side of the gates, waiting for my signal.”
He’s here. He’s so close to me. So close to freedom.
The wave of relief almost has my knees buckling.
“He’s really outside?”
Sebastian nods. “Everyone is. Lewis, Ronan, Alistair, Taf, JJ, Sandy?—”
“Sandy?” I let out a small laugh. “How?”
He grins. “Apparently, it’s a very short, very boring story.” He brushes my hair back. “How are you feeling? How was your scan?”
I place my hand on my stomach. “The doctor said it went well. The baby is a little small, but I … I haven’t always been allowed to eat.” I look down at the tiny bump. “But he’s part of Colt and me. He’s strong. I can feel it.”
Sebastian nods, brow furrowed gently. “Any nausea, excessive tiredness?—”
I laugh again. “You can check the both of us when we’re home. What’s the signal?”
“Excessive noise,” he says.
“Or we can do one better.” I unlock the door and open it. Kitrick is pacing and darts close when he sees me. I grab his hand and pull him inside.
Sebastian’s face immediately drops into one of rage.
“It’s okay, he’s a cop,” I whisper. “Kitrick, this isn’t Sal Sinclair. It’s a friend. Colt sent him.” Kitrick doesn’t seem convinced, light eyes filled with suspicion as he weighs Sebastian up with a look. “Colt is outside.”
“Denver,” Sebastian says. “You’re sure we can trust this guy?”
“Yes,” I say. “He’s kept me safe.”
Sebastian frowns. “You just said they starved you.”
“And where have you been?” Kitrick asks. “Why not play thisScooby Dootrick seven fucking weeks ago?”
Sebastian flexes his fingers. “You have no idea what we’ve been going through.”
“And you have no idea what it’s been like watching her go through this, knowing there wasn’t much I could fucking do,” Kitrick hits back, dragging his battle-filled gaze to me. “What do you need me to do?”
“We need—” My thoughts stall, and panic prickles my skin. “We need to get Marnie.”
Sebastian tilts his head. “Denver, Colt said we have an hour at most from me coming into the house before he storms the place. We need to go now.”
“It’s Holly’s mom—” I glance at the door. “We’re not leaving without her.” She’s come this far; she’s finally within reach. There’s no way I’m going home knowing Holly’s family was right here. “Kitrick, you’ll need to call Colt. Tell him I’m here. When you call him, tell him Finn called his robin tattoo fate. Can you say that to him?” Then, he’ll know it’s me, and Kitrick is trying to help.
Kitrick nods. “I will. But we need to get you?—”
