“No. I can’t stop.”
I pressed with firmness. The tops of her knuckles were cool. “Kennedy. Take a breath. You’re not in control like this.”
“What do you want me to do? Do you want me to give up? Just hide away with you somewhere and pretend this didn’t happen?” I wondered if that was what I truly wanted. I knew she was capable, but it didn’t mean I didn’t want to be the one to protect her.
“No. Of course not,” I answered.
My fingers drifted to her wrist. I lifted it in the air and made room so that I could wedge myself between her body and the desk. I didn’t want her to grow colder. I didn’t want her to drift away into the distance. I couldn’t watch her fade behind her walls and shields. This couldn’t be the thing that pulled her out of my reach. I wouldn’t let it happen.
“You’re freezing.” I softened my approach. I rubbed her hand between my fingers. She started to tug it from me, but I kept going. Her wrists, her arms, her shoulders. She was shivering. “You’ve done this by yourself for a long time. I know that. You’re not a rookie mobster’s daughter. I get it. You’re in charge of Crew’s return. I’m not arguing with you about that, but I’m going to help. And I’m going to take care of you. We’ll go after this family together. I’m here this time.”
Her body leaned into mine. I wrapped my arms around her. Her hands circled my neck. I didn’t know if she was desperate for the warmth or needed me. It didn’t matter. I wouldn’t let go until she was ready. I’d never let go.
* * *
Kennedy was in the shower.I assured her I wouldn’t leave her room. With the door closed and one eye on her, I tapped Seraphina’s number on my phone. Fuck. I dreaded this.
“Hey.” She sounded happy.
“Can you talk? Privately,” I added.
“Hold on just a sec.” There were muffled voices in the background. “Okay, I’m back,” she announced. “I was talking to Brandon’s mother about dinner tonight.”
“Are you alone now?” I was worried her reaction would cause problems if anyone witnessed it.
“Yes. What’s wrong with you? You seem like you’re in a terrible mood.”
“Seraphina.” I inhaled. “There’s no good way to say this, but…are you sure no one can see you or hear you?”
“What the hell is it?” she demanded.
“It’s Crew. He was kidnapped.”
There was an eerie silence on the phone, as if a blackhole had swallowed my sister whole.
“Seraphina, are you there? Hey, I need to know you’re okay.”
“Mmmhmm.” I was sure it was all she could do.
I caught a glimpse of Kennedy’s back in the shower when she turned toward the rush of water. I leaned against the doorframe. “I don’t know who has him, but we’re going to find him. Kennedy was attacked too.”
“Oh my God.”
“She’s okay. I’m with her now. We’re going to use every resource to bring Crew home.”
“I-I can’t breathe. Where is he? Who has him?”
Shit. “Seraphina, just try to stay calm. Deep breaths. Can you sit down for a minute?” I could picture her sapphire eyes welling, her lips trembling.
“I can’t stay here. I have to go find him. I’m coming to where you are.”
“No,” I barked. “You have to stay exactly where you are.”
“Are you insane? Crew is missing,” she hissed. “I’m not staying.”
I pressed my fingers between my eyes. “Where is a place the Castilles wouldn’t look for you?”
“The stables,” she answered without a second thought. “They hate it there.”