“I’m sorry we can't do more.” They both appear reluctant to let me leave. “We want to help you, Noelle.”
“No, it’s fine. Really. I’ll figure something out that doesn’t endanger Sawyer in the way the courts need.” I have no idea what, though. I have no money for a lawyer. I don’t see how a social worker can help. But I’ll do it. I’ll get Sawyer out, even if I land in jail or, worse, dead.
* * *
Holden
Noelle is hiding something, and I have no idea what it is. She hasn’t said more than five words since picking her up, and even those were reluctant.
“You going to talk to me?” I ask her as she watches the front door of the school.
“I don’t have anything to say right now.” Her glib response isn’t what I expected. “You have a fan club,” she comments, nodding her head to the side where three women are standing watching us. “Get that a lot, do you?” she asks when I smirk.
“Sometimes.” I won’t hide who I am. I’ve never been serious about a woman a day in my life. Until Noelle. She’s a game-changer for me.
“Maybe you should go talk to one of them.” I see the way her eyes flick to the side to catch my reaction.
“Why the fuck would I do that?” I can’t hide the venom in my tone. Noelle shrugs, and that further incites my anger. “No. You don’t get to make that foolish suggestion, then ignore my question.”
She turns to face me at my response, and I catch the fire in her eyes. She’s testing me. “They’re far more glamorous than me.”
“That so?”
“Probably more experienced too.”
“Perhaps I like innocence. Corrupting it is quite beautiful with the right subject.” Her eyes widen, so I crowd her into my vehicle, bracketing her with my hands on either side of her head. “You want me to go play with some horny housewives, Noelle? Would that satisfy you?” Her head swivels to the side, and her eyes close, but not before I glimpse the hurt in her gaze. Gripping her chin with two fingers, I force her to look at me. “Because what I want is you, Noelle. I want to fuck you until you beg me to stop. I want to eat this pussy until you pass out. I want to show you off and then inform the world you belong to me.”
“So you want sex and arm candy.” Her lips purse together.
“Do you believe that?” Her eyes flit to the school when the bell rings. “Answer me.”
“I don’t know what to believe, Holden.” She moves her hands to my chest, presumably to push me away, but stops when I don’t budge. “I just want Sawyer safe.”
I know when it’s time to retreat, so I let her go. She crouches down as Sawyer approaches, and I can tell he’s as distressed as Noelle was this morning.
Opening the back door, the kid jumps in, and I buckle him up again. “How do you feel about dogs?” I ask Sawyer. He shrugs. “Well, we’re going back to my parents' house, and there are plenty of dogs to play with.” He nods this time, and I can notice the hint of excitement in his green gaze, but he doesn’t comment.
Tonight was supposed to be laid-back, all about getting to know Noelle andherlearning about me, but now I’m thinking I need to explore more with her about her home life because something isn’t sitting right with me.
Earlier, I looked into Noelle’s aunt and uncle and learned a thing or two. The uncle works as a forklift operator in a warehouse, and not only is Seth an old-school kind of guy, more suited to the fifties and living in repression, but he’s a violent drunk. And after seeing Noelle injured, I’m sure she’s the focus of his aggression.
Her Aunt Karen works a night job, counting inventory at some large chain stores. From what I've ascertained, she doesn’t give a shit about anyone in her house. If I had to guess, Sawyer was anoopsbaby they regret having, which has left Noelle to care for the child. Essentially acting as the mother the boy needs.
Afterwards, I spent some time planning tonight’s pickup with Saint and Easton, and barring any complications, we should be done within an hour. I will drive the cargo while two others provide cover with a vehicle in front and one behind. It’s a system we mastered long ago. So far, there have been no issues. I’m hoping that our luck holds out because I have plans afterwards.
* * *
The silent drive out of the city is broken up only when Noelle asks Sawyer about his day. It isn’t long after that the boy leans against the door, falling asleep. When he does, I clasp Noelle’s hand in mine, bringing it over to my lap and placing it on my thigh. I think she’s too shocked to pull away immediately, so I keep ahold of her.
Arriving at my parent’s house—which looks a little castle-like—her fingers tighten. “Holy crap. You grew up here?” She leans forward to get a better look at the place. It can be quite intimidating.
“I did. Along with my aunts, uncles, and all my cousins. I’m the oldest of the kids, and it wasn’t until I was about eight or so that Atticus and Catalina moved out with Bishop and Easton. Not long after, Triple D left with the twins and Santo.”
“Triple D?” she interrupts.
“Sorry, Danika, Dimitri, and Daniel.”
Her head whips around to stare at me. “Like a polyamorous relationship?”