Chapter 14
Harlow
Before we left for New York, I wanted to see Serenity again and take her to the mall.
Mallory said it would be okay, and I was ecstatic.
I knew it was too soon to start the adoption process, but honestly, I felt like it was right.
I visited the YMCA and spent time with Serenity for the last week.
There was a pull and it terrified me, but I wanted to see where this went.
I needed to make sure Caterina was okay with it and not agreeing just for my sake.
Mallory pulled me into a tight hug as we stepped into the house. “How are you, Harlow?”
“I’m doing well. Caterina and I are doing great, too. We’re going to New York in two days.”
“I’m happy for you, Harlow. It’s amazing seeing that look in your eyes.” I arched my brow, and she smiled. “You’re in love and so full of life.”
I grabbed her hand. Sometimes I wondered what life would have been for us if this never happened, but we were both happy now. “I’m happy for you, too. Izara is an amazing woman and a great mother.”
“She is. Hey, I know life didn’t work out the way we wanted it to back in school, but I love you, Harlow. You’ll always be a part of our family, and I can’t wait to see you and Caterina have your family.”
“I’m ready. I never thought I’d get the chance to be a mom, but Serenity…I feel connected to her.”
“Do you want me to start the adoption process?”
“I need to talk to Caterina about it more. It’s a huge step for us, but we know we want children.” Serenity walked downstairs and beamed when she saw me.
“Row!”
“Hey, love bug!” She leaped into my arms. “Do you want to go shopping with me?
“Yes!”
Mallory crouched down, taking Serenity’s hand. “Do you want to stay the night with her? Her and Cat are leaving for a trip, so I want you to spend time with her before they are gone for a while.”
“Can I?” she asked in a tiny voice.
I beamed, smiling wide at Mallory. “I am going to check with Caterina, but I am sure she’ll be fine with it. Are you sure it’s okay?”
“Yes. I’ll make a note of it, but I want you to spend time with her since you won’t see her for a while.”
I pulled Mallory in for a tight hug. “I love you. Thank you.”
After three hours of shopping, a break at the food court, and several selfies later, we were finally ready to head to the house.
I had a whole weekend of activities planned for us, and I couldn’t wait.
Serenity deserved a memorable childhood filled with happiness and joy instead of the life she experienced.
I wanted to do everything in my power to help her get that happiness.
“I’m gonna run her to the bathroom. I’ll meet you outside.”
Malachi narrowed his eyes on me. “No. I’ll be sitting outside the bathrooms waiting for you. Do I look stupid?”
I smirked and Serenity laughed. “Do you want me to answer that truthfully?”
After our bathroom break, Serenity put her hand in mine and we walked to the car.
Her hand fit perfectly in mine. I loved seeing this happy side of her, and I couldn’t wait until we were home to see her come out of her shell more.
Her giggles were sweet and intoxicating as we ran out of the mall and into the parking garage.
Malachi checked our surroundings, always on guard mode.
Caterina and her men mirrored one another, but for good reason.
One day we could live a life without fear, but I didn’t know when that would be.
We needed Vincenzo gone before we could live in peace, but it felt like he would never die.
He was a cockroach, festering and surviving no matter what we threw at him.
I saw it the moment it happened—Malachi’s body language changed. I learned to read them, to learn what certain things meant, and his posture tightened as he reached for his waistband. If Vincenzo was here, I would protect Serenity with my life. He wouldn’t be dumb enough to try something so soon.
“Malachi?” I called quietly, pushing Serenity behind me.
He didn’t answer, only shifting his weight as he inspected the surroundings. A loud crack split the air, bouncing off the walls, and Serenity screamed. I grabbed her, covering her little body with mine as I dove for the ground. There were screeching tires as more gunshots erupted around us.
“Stay down!” Malachi screamed.
“Give us Harmony,” a heavy voice demanded. Russian? My blood ran cold. And Harmony? Serenity’s friend? They wouldn’t have either of them if I could help it.
She whimpered under me. “It’s okay, baby. I’ve got you.” My hands were shaking, but I would protect her. I would always protect her.
“Go!” Malachi yelled. “Get to the car!”
I clutched Serenity close to me, my pulse thundering in my ears as Malachi fired behind us. He better not fucking die. He yelled something in perfect Russian to the men. How skilled were Caterina’s men?
I spotted the car. We would be safe in the armored car until Malachi could get to us and we could escape. Why the hell were Russian men trying to take Serenity, and why did they think she was Harmony? I managed to get us inside, clutching her to my chest as Malachi fired back-to-back shots.
He got into the driver’s seat, chest heaving, before he sped out of the garage.