“Do you want dessert?”
“Umm, have you met me? Is that even a question, brother?” He laughs, then stands and walks over to the dessert bar, grabbing us some yummies.
My phone goes off, but I don't know the number, so I decline it. If it's important, they can leave me a message.
Colt returns with my favorite and sets it in front of me. “Did you take your pills?” I nod before digging in.
“So good,” I moan, and he rolls his eyes, eating his boring pie. He didn't even add vanilla ice cream to it.
My phone dings with a new voicemail, but it can wait until I get home. Unless it’s someone I know, it's not important.
I finish my cheesecake and groan, sitting back and rubbing my flat stomach. “I am so full,” I mutter, and Colt jumps up.
“Great, time to run home. We need to get back in shape now that we have a full team again. Don't forget we have practice tomorrow.”
“I swear you did this on purpose,” I complain, standing and bending over to stretch my back. I don't mind running, but not when I'm this full.
“Let's go, Don.”
“Aye, aye, Captain. But just know, this isn't going to be pretty,” I tell him, as I stand and salute him. His lips twitch and he shoves my shoulder.
“You're such a dork.”
That run was hell.I swear Colt was an evil dictator in another life. He’s like a machine, stopping every mile to do twenty squats and lunges. I am so sore, but he was right, I am out of shape.
I take Cobbler outside to potty, then grab a quick shower and a snack.
As I'm getting ready for bed, I remember the missed call I had earlier. It's late now, after midnight, so I won't be able to call them back.
Cobbler nudges my leg and I laugh. He has his blanket in his mouth. He's ready for bed. “I know, buddy. I just need to brush my teeth.”
I leave him and walk to the bathroom, quickly taking care of business. Colt is still awake in the living room, sitting in the chair, reading a book.
He looks my way as I pass him to grab a bottle of water from the kitchen. “Do you think Teo and Rylee are okay?” I ask him and he nods.
“Yeah, she messaged me. He's staying with her tonight. He didn't want me to think he went off the rails again and was back at the warehouse, trying to kill himself.”
“That's good.” I sigh. “Things are going to be okay, right? I mean, the fact that Len and Rylee fucked…”
He winces and takes his glasses off, rubbing his eyes. “I knew something was bothering her, but I never expected that. The fact she's been letting the guilt get to her upsets me. I know she was worried about how we would react, but Len's our family. Even if he isn't here.”
“I think we need to kidnap him from that witch, tie him up, and make him tell us what's going on. He can't marry her. If he does then it's all over.”
Colt stands, closing his book and putting his glasses back on. “I do think blackmail is involved, but if he's standing by her and not telling us, then it must be for a reason. Lennox is an adult, Donny. We have too much shit going on in our lives as it is. I think this time we need to leave it alone and see what happens.”
He passes me and walks into his room, shutting the door behind him. I sigh and turn off the lights, check that the front door is locked, then go to my room and scoop Cobbler into my arms.
I cuddle him tight for a minute, then bring him to my bed and climb in. He yips and licks my face, making me smile.
Grabbing my phone from the bedside table, I open up my messages and listen to the new voicemail, wishing I hadn't.
“Hi, this is Laura from California General Hospital. I'm hoping to reach Adonis Baros. This is in regards to your grandfather, Marshall Baros. If you could give me a call back, it would be appreciated. Thank you.”
My stomach flips, and I feel like I'm going to be sick. Why are they calling me? He has a team of lawyers handling his medical decisions and estate. I turn my phone off and cuddle Cobbler closer, wishing my Cherry was here instead.
I know the nightmares are going to be bad tonight. Opening my nightstand drawer, I grab a melatonin chewy. I don't like how they make me feel sluggish in the morning, but they do help.
Laying on my back, I stare up at the ceiling, trying not to think abouthim.Tomorrow will be a new day. I'm safe here. He can't hurt me.
