Page 115 of Holiday Hostage
From the explosion they survived, to the surgeries that could have killed them, to tracking me down, it all proved how relentless they were.
Formidable. That’s what most people would call them.
I called themmine.
I touched them anywhere I could reach.
Arms. Chests. Faces.
My trembling hands moved across every available stretch of skin.
I couldn’t help myself.
I needed the reassurance to prove they were real and I wasn’t hallucinating or having a mental breakdown.
They finished their story, and a beat of silence passed before I shifted my weight and kissed Tarron.
Sparks sizzled between us, and I lingered over the promise in his lips before kissing Mav, and then Reed.
“I could stay here with you forever, but I’d really like to get out of this room.” The moment turned passionate when I reclaimed Tarron’s lips.
He put all his passion into the kiss, his strong hand wrapped across the small of my back.
I released all the pain and sadness that had been crushing me as the weight of their supposed death finally lifted.
They were alive.
I had nothing left to hold me down.
“We’re glad you’re alive.” Reed brushed my hair behind my ear and kissed my shoulder where my shirt fell open. “When we found out you’d been taken again, we didn’t.” He stopped and cleared his throat. “We didn’t know if he’d let you live this time.”
It had been touch and go. There was no need to tell them what all had transpired. Jack had only threatened me.
“That’s the only reason that shitbag is still alive.” Mav pressed his forehead to mine when I released Tarron’s lips and leaned into him. “Nothing would have stopped me from delivering true justice if he’d taken you from us.”
They were not cold-blooded killers, but I could see them pulling the trigger on Jack.
I’d wished for it more than once.
“I need to call Dad.” My hands shook. I tried to brush them off on my thighs, but they trembled so badly that I missed completely. “How did you find me?”
“Answers later.” Mav handed me his phone. “His number is in my contacts.”
I tapped the button and held the phone to my ear.
It rang twice, then Dad’s voice boomed. “Maverick, where’s my daughter?”
“I’m here, Dad.” My knees buckled. “I’m okay.”
Tarron caught me and held me upright, giving me support as I breathed through the rush of emotions.
“Thank God.” Dad unleashed a quivering breath. “I’m so glad to hear your voice, Payton. Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yep.” I sounded too chipper to be believable, but if I didn’t pretend,
I’d end up in the corner, sobbing too hard to move.
I refused to give Jack that pleasure.
