Chapter 28
CASSIDY
“Why the fuck was he locked in a goddamn janitor’s closet?
” Killa bellows. “I want the parents’ names and addresses; we sort our own shit out!
I bet it’s the same little punks who have been giving him shit.
” He knows Noah’s been having trouble at school?
Him knowing that has warmth settling inside me.
“I want their names, or I’ll torch the school down with you in it!
” He paces the principal’s office like a man possessed while I sit, stunned, watching his every move, listening to the clunking of his boots.
It’s something I’ve done for years, finding comfort in sounds. When you have nothing but time on your hands, you learn to appreciate everything around you. Even odd sounds that others fail to recognize or appreciate.
Charlene said I use it as a coping mechanism, and I guess she’s right, but it’s not by choice that I have these little quirks.
Killa’s movements come to a halt, and I snap my head up to witness him staring down at me. “You good?” he asks, his eyes bouncing over my face.
“Yes.”
“Good girl.” His smooth voice soothes me before he turns his attention back to the principal. “Now, where the fuck is our son?”
My eyebrows shoot up, and I can’t help the cry that lodges in my throat.
Before either one of us can analyze my reaction further, the door is thrown open and Noah barrels in, heading straight for Killa.
Killa bends to greet him, whisking him up in his arms. With Noah’s small hands grasping his shoulder, he stands, making the room seem smaller than ever.
“You okay, little man?” The suddenly gentle voice has me relaxing into the chair.
His large hand pushes Noah’s hair from his face as he searches over every inch of him.
“Killa, it was dark,” Noah sniffles, clinging to Killa’s neck, and I can’t help the whimper that escapes me.
The way Noah seeks Killa out has warmth filling my entire body. He’s spoken nonstop about him since he delivered our groceries and a television.
“I know. I’m gonna take care of it.” Then he turns his head to me, his face etched in concern while his gaze slides over me from top to toe. “Cass, let’s go.”
I don’t know how I got out of that room and into a truck.
I don’t know at what point Killa arranged for someone to collect his bike while he drove us back to the apartment.
All I know is that he guided me into my home, tucked me into bed, and promised to take care of Noah, and I believed every word.
After all, that’s what you do when you fall in love with someone, isn’t it?
You believe them.