Page 16 of Grand Love

Her eyes close and when they open tears brim them.

“Not from my doing. I’m getting them back.”

“I’ve read your file, Jasmine, please don’t lie,” Charlie states.

“I’m not lying. I took the blame, but it wasn’t me.”

I snort, making Charlie turn. He pins me with a glare. “And this little one. She’s yours?”

“Yes.” A tear runs down her cheek and I turn, running my hands through my hair. I don’t want to feel sorry for this girl—she ruined my life.

“You have no record for this baby. Why?” I ask.

“She’d be taken away; I can’t lose any more of my babies, I can’t,” she cries.

“Fuck!”

“Lowell!”

I walk to the kitchen, shaking my head as I take in the baby bottles amongst the dishes. How didn’t I notice them before?

My eyes catch something in the sink, and I lean over to get a better look.

A used syringe lies in the bottom of the sink.

I see red.

“Show me your arms,” I demand, taking quick strides to her.

Lifting her arm, I search for track marks but don’t find any, just bruises on her bicep. Four fingers and a thumb wrap around her small muscle in a purple and black marking.

I close my eyes, running my tongue over my teeth, my head fucked.

What now?

How do I leave her here? How do I leave a baby here?

This woman wrecked everything.

She’s Nina’s sister.

Nina.

“You’re coming with us,” Charlie tells her. “Pack a bag.”

I let out the breath I was holding, opening my eyes when her words come out in a rush.

“What?!” she panics. “No, I’m not! I can’t.”

“Pack a bag,” I grit out, watching as she grips her daughter tighter.

She swallows thickly, looking at the window and back to us.

She wants to leave.

“What are you afraid of?” I finally ask her, trying to smooth my tone.

“He will follow me,” she admits, her voice barely audible.

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