Chapter 6 - LEO
Victor Hale found Leo.
That was the day my world stopped being romantic.
It became war.
I received a phone call at 3:06 p.m.
A man's voice said:
“Your son is safe.”
My blood turned cold.
“Who are you?”
“You know.”
“Where is he?”
“Come alone.”
Roman took the phone from me.
“Where?”
The caller laughed.
“Mercer.”
“You wanted me.”
“No.”
A pause.
“I want the woman.”
Roman's expression became murderous.
“You won't touch her.”
“Then bring her.”
The call ended.
I grabbed Roman's arm.
“We have to get Leo.”
“I know.”
“You said I couldn't come.”
“I changed my mind.”
We found Leo at an abandoned warehouse.
He was frightened but unharmed.
I ran to him.
He jumped into my arms.
“Mommy!”
I held him tightly.
“I've got you.”
Roman stood nearby.
Leo looked at him.
“Is that the alley man?”
Roman blinked.
I almost laughed despite everything.
“Yes.”
Leo stared.
“You're not supposed to bleed.”
Roman looked at me.
I smiled.
“He's five.”
“I noticed.”
Leo reached toward Roman.
“Are you my mommy's friend?”
Roman hesitated.
“Yes.”
Leo considered this.
“Good.”
Then he looked at me.
“Can he come home?”
I felt my heart break.
Roman looked away.
The drive home was silent.
When we arrived, Leo was asleep.
I carried him upstairs.
Roman followed.
I tucked Leo into bed.
When I returned downstairs, Roman was waiting.
“I should leave.”
“Why?”
“Because your son deserves a normal life.”
I stared at him.
“So do you.”
He laughed quietly.
“I haven't had one in years.”
“You could.”
“With you?”
I didn't answer.
He stepped closer.
“I won't make promises I can't keep.”
“Good.”
“But I can promise you this.”
“What?”
“No one will ever use your son to get to me again.”
My eyes filled.
I kissed him.
It wasn't planned.
It wasn't careful.
It was desperate.
Roman froze.
Then his arms came around me.
For one perfect moment, the world disappeared.
Then his phone rang.
He answered.
His face changed.
“Victor has escaped.”
May you like
He looked at me.
“And he's coming here.”
