“What happened?” Theo asked, his voice groggy. He struggled and realized he was confined. “Fuck. Who cuffed me?”
Jade walked over to the man who’d caused her so much pain. “Have you lost your mind?” she shouted at him.
“What? You said we could talk!” Theo yelled back.
“Because you threatened to hurt my baby!” Without warning, she kicked him in the ribs.
“Ouch! Dammit, cut that out. I just wanted you back.”
She turned away from him and glanced at Knox. “Take me home.”
Knox looked her over. Physically, she appeared fine, if tired, but he needed to be sure. “I’d rather have you checked at the hospital.”
She shook her head. “He didn’t hurt me. I just want to go home. I have an appointment with a doctor tomorrow, anyway.”
Knox didn’t like it, but he nodded.
Zach tossed Asher the keys to his truck. “You guys go. I’ll call the cops and have them take out the garbage. I’m sure they’ll want to talk to Jade, but I’ll let them know where to find her.”
“How will you get home?” Jade asked her brother.
“Don’t worry about me. You need to go home and rest.” He placed his hand on her stomach. “You gave us all a scare.”
She smiled. “I’m fine. And if the police need anything from me, a statement or something, I’m more than ready to help.” She frowned at Theo, then shook her head. “Come on.” Grabbing Knox’s hand, she started for the door.
He paused and looked down at his half sibling. As angry as Knox had been at Theo, he didn’t recognize the pathetic man cuffed on the floor and couldn’t conjure up the fury he’d felt earlier. “You could have had it all, you know. Now I just hope you get the help you need. From inside a jail cell.”
Squeezing Jade’s hand tight, they walked around Theo and out the front door.
***
Knox insisted onsitting in the back of Zach’s truck cab with Jade, while Asher grumbled about feeling like a damned chauffeur. Jade laughed and snuggled into Knox’s arms, giving him peace for the first time since he’d discovered she was missing.
Fifteen minutes after they’d left the cabin, the police had called Asher’s phone, wanting to speak to Jade. They were annoyed she’d left the scene before they had time to get her statement. Asher told them her lawyer would be in touch, and she’d talk to them then before disconnecting the call.
Once back in the city, Asher had dropped Knox and Jade at her apartment. Knox ordered in food while she showered. Then they sat and ate deli sandwiches in silence. The ring sat in his pocket, taunting him. But he didn’t think this was the right time. Not after everything Jade had been through today. He didn’t want to take advantage of her vulnerability now.
She was quiet and he gave her the space she needed.
She picked up her remnants of her meal, stood, and tossed them in the trash. “Knox?” She turned toward him.
“Hmm?”
“You’re very quiet. Are you upset about Theo’s arrest? Worried about Holly? What is it?”
Her worry for him touched his heart, especially since he thought the silence had been her doing. “I was just wondering what was going on in your mind.” He stood and tossed out his garbage, as well. “I spoke to Holly while you were in the shower. She’s okay. Miles is taking good care of her.”
“That’s good. And Celia? I still can’t believe she was involved. Is she in trouble?” Jade asked.
“I hope not. All she did was try to get me back in her life. As soon as Theo’s plan went crazy, she spoke up.” He might not want to be married to Celia—and would definitely never trust her again—but he couldn’t deny she had done the right thing.
Jade nodded.
“Holly said that Celia left my office once she knew we’d found you. I assume that’s the last we’ll hear from her.”
“I can’t say that’s a disappointment, but I am grateful for her help.” Jade yawned, covering her mouth. “Excuse me.”
He walked over and cupped her face in his hands. “You have to be exhausted.”