“I did,” I answer. “It’s a little creepy when I say it out loud, but I watched your family for months. I couldn’t leave her with just anyone, but I didn’t trust the system, and I wanted her to go to a family that I knew would keep her and love her.”
“Well, you chose correctly,” Margot says. “So I will pay you the same respect and let you see her. But know that the moment Emma says she’s done, you will never see her again. Is that understood? She is—”
“Your daughter,” I assure. “And I understand. I will respect her wishes. Always, Margot.”
She releases a heavy exhale, as if a small weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
“Okay. I will text you a date and time.”
“Thank you,” I breathe. The phone clicks off, and immediately, tears spring to my eyes and spill over in rivers as if they were poised at my lash line, waiting to be released.
“What happened?” Cage asks, rushing over to me and cupping my face between his palms. Thankfully, he had the foresight to take off his rubber gloves, even though his body is still covered in blood from extracting their teeth.
His eyes dart between mine, concern etched into his slanted brows.
“She’s going to let me see Layla,” I croak, the end of my declaration broken by a hiccup .
“Come here, baby,” Cage mumbles, ushering me into his arms. I keep my chin tilted up and away from his chest, while he bows his forehead to rest on my shoulder, hugging me tightly.
The cap that was held tightly over the emotions I had bottled inside me during the conversation bursts off, and I lose myself, sobbing into his neck while he sways us side to side.
So much fear, hurt, and loneliness is released from my chest. Ten years without seeing her beautiful smile, hearing her say my name—it’s been torture. Worse than anything I’ve ever suffered at the hands of dirty men.
I had never known love until Layla was born, and for years, my world revolved around her seeing another day. Then, it revolved around protecting her from me and all the baggage that I towed around.
And now, it feels like I’ve finally been set free. From the chains that were wrapped around my ankles, constantly dragging me back into my sordid past every time I tried to escape it.
“I get to see her,” I squeak out between harsh wails.
“You get to see her. And she’ll get to love you now.”
That only makes me cry harder. I’ve never known a god, but if one exists, He’ll grant me my sister’s love. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
I’m not sure how much time passes before my cries die down, my throat raw, and my eyes bloodshot and swollen.
Cage pulls away just enough to swipe the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs.
“I love you, little ghost. And I know she will, too.”
I hiccup as he leans in and rests his lips against my forehead, kissing me there softly .
“I love you, too.”
Just as I catch my breath, my phone goes off again, and for a second time, scaring the absolute shit out of me.
Clearing away the lingering emotion from my throat, I answer without looking.
“Hello?”
“I hear you’re good at making people disappear.”
The deep, male voice is jarring and not what I was expecting. I pull the phone away from my ear, checking the number. It’s unknown.
“Who is this?”
“Most know me by Z. But you can call me Zade.”
THE END
Molly is first introduced in the Cat & Mouse duet. If you haven’t already, pick up these books to experience all this world has to offer!
Reading Order:
Satan’s Affair
Haunting Adeline
Hunting Adeline
Satan's Affair
Haunting Adeline
Hunting Adeline
Does It Hurt?
Shallow River
First as always, a huge thank you to my readers. You all have put up with my slow writing and stuck around during times of extreme burnout where I didn’t know if I was successfully going to be able to write another book. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support, and being someone I can rely on no matter what. I love you all from the depths of my black soul.
Secondly, thank you to my amazing husband. Without your support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. We’re the best power couple that ever lived, in my personal opinion. You’re also the best husband in the world, and I’m so glad to be dominating the world with you by my side. I love you so much.
And thank you to Sam, the most dedicated stalker, and my best friend. You’ve been an incredible support system and looking at your face 24/7 while you yell at me to write while simultaneously distracting me with anal tattoo ideas has been the highlight of my days. Even if it was initially forced, I’m so thankful you’re in my life. Forever. I love you, weirdo .