Conrad
Maya had fallen asleep with her head on my lap on the sofa. Having a run-in with him again exhausted her. I should have got her to text when she arrived and gone down to get her. If I did, he would have gotten to her. He would have been on the ground and stayed there until the police came.
I look down at her and sigh, “I am sorry, angel.” I whisper and kiss her forehead.
I take my cell out to reply to Callum. I haven’t had a chance yet.
I will make you a deal. You come and personally get the money from me, and I will hand it to you.
He probably won’t agree because he is too much of a coward to meet me face-to-face. I stare at the screen, waiting for him to reply, and one soon comes through.
How stupid do you think I am? You will send it to the account, or the world will see what I sent you. I have more. I couldn’t show you everything at once.
And if I send it, will you leave her alone?
I know what his answer will be. It will be no. If he planned on leaving her alone, he would have asked for a lot more since he knows who I am and what I am worth. I hope the account can be tracked, and the bastard will get caught when he withdraws the money. I have a feeling it isn’t going to work out that way. He always seems to have a plan.
I didn’t say I would leave her alone. I said I wouldn’t release the videos and photos.
What the hell do I need to do to make you leave her alone?
The man is psychotic. Why can’t he go away? There is no way he is getting her back. It is time he realises that.
You know what I want. I want Maya. Other than that, nothing will make me leave her alone. If it weren’t for your father today, she would be with me right now.
I assume he has done his research if she knew it was my father.
She still wouldn’t have been with you even if he wasn’t there because I would have hunted you down and made you regret every single action. You will NEVER have her, not while I am around. You will get caught. You can tell yourself you are outsmarting everyone, but in the end, you will lose. And when you do, I will be there to watch Karma getting you.
I can’t get my head around how no one can find him, yet he still manages to keep appearing undetected.
You tell yourself whatever you need to Conrad to make yourself feel better. The 30k better be in the account first thing Friday. Don’t try being a hero because the only person who is going to suffer for it will be Maya. I will be in touch.
I don’t bother replying to him. I have given him enough of my time. I sigh and run my fingers through my hair. I look down at Maya. I hate lying to her, but I am doing it to protect her. It will kill her if Callum releases everything. I don’t know how she would recover from it. If he doesn’t get caught soon, I think it is time we leave the States for a while. I don’t want him to be the reason for us to go, but keeping Maya safe and letting her live her life without worry is more important.
I hope it doesn’t come to that. It will be a last option, but an option if we need it. We can go anywhere she wants in the world. London, Scotland, Asia, Australia and the list goes on. It wouldn’t be easy to make a new life for ourselves as long as we have one another.
I need a damn drink. I grab a pillow to place under Maya’s head and stand from the sofa, pouring myself a scotch. I gulp it down in one and go, then take a double. I take a sip and head back through to the living room. Maya is still sound asleep. I put a blanket over her and sit on the chair across from the sofa.
She looks peaceful as she sleeps. I wish she could feel the same way every day when she was awake.
****
Maya has been asleep for hours. I don’t want to wake her, but she won’t sleep tonight if she sleeps any longer. She needs to eat too. I crouch in front of the sofa and caress her face.
“Hey, sweetheart, it is time to wake up,” I say softly.
She groans but slowly opens her eyes, “How long was I out?”
“Four hours.”
She shot up, “What? Why didn’t you wake me before now?”
“I wanted to leave you to rest. But, now, you should eat. Do you want to order pizza or something? Or I can cook something?” I ask.
Maya looks closely at me. She reaches up and strokes my cheek. “Are you okay? You have a sadness in your eyes, my love,” she whispers.
“I am okay, angel. It has been a rough day. How are you doing? How is your arm?”
“I am okay. My arm is fine. It doesn’t hurt anymore.”
“I am glad. Food, what would you like?” I ask.
“Hmm, pizza, curly fries and cookie dough.” She giggles.
I chuckle, “Do you want to order in or go out?”
“Order in. I am not in the mood to go out.”
I nod, “We can stay in.”
She reaches up and kisses me softly, “Thank you. I can’t believe I slept for four hours. I won’t sleep tonight.”
“I am sure you will if we stay up a little later,” I reply.
“Hopefully. I am going to change into something comfortable. You place our order?”
“I will.”
I jump to my feet, offering my hand to her, which she takes. I help her up. I pull her close and hug her for a moment. She doesn’t mind. She happily hugs back. When we part, she pecks my lips and disappears to the bedroom. She seemed better than before she went to sleep.
I place our order, making sure to remember her cookie dough. After dinner, we can look for a new cell for her since Callum ruined hers. I will get her watch to match, too. I will connect them to my cell so I can track her location. She can download the same app, too, and track me. It will help keep our minds at ease in case anything happens, especially after what happened earlier. It is for no other reason. It is not to keep an eye on her or because I don’t trust her; it is for her protection and nothing more. I will discuss it with her first. I wouldn’t do it without her permission. Some lines shouldn’t be crossed.
Maya returns wearing a pair of my joggers and one of my tees.
I chuckle, “I am beginning to wonder if you don’t have your own clothes.” I tease.
“I do, but I like yours better, is all.” She says brightly.
“I don’t mind sharing with you, beautiful.”
I bring her to sit in my lap when she is close enough.
“How long will our food be?”
“About half an hour.” I smile and kiss her softly.
She nods and snuggles into my chest. I wrap my arms around her and stroke her back. I know if she is with me, she will be safe. If I could keep her with me all the time, I would.