“I appreciate you allowing me to speak to her. At least this once. I… I can’t even begin to express how much she means to me.”
Margot sighs again. “I believe you, Molly. I can’t imagine the things you’ve been through. The things Emma has been through. If I’m being honest, I wasn’t going to allow this when you first approached. But… once I googled you and found out about your story—your kidnapping—I realized there may be a lot more to both of your stories than I was giving credit for. In my head, I built you up as some drug-addict mother who left her kid on some random stranger’s doorstep. I used to thank God every night that she was left with us and not someone who would’ve hurt her. I remember you said that you chose us. Is that true?”
“I did,” I answer. “It’s a little creepy when I say it out loud, but I watched your family for months. I couldn’t leave her with just anyone, but I didn’t trust the system, and I wanted her to go to a family that I knew would keep her and love her.”
“Well, you chose correctly,” Margot says. “So I will pay you the same respect and let you see her. But know that the moment Emma says she’s done, you will never see her again. Is that understood? She is—”
“Your daughter,” I assure. “And I understand. I will respect her wishes. Always, Margot.”
She releases a heavy exhale, as if a small weight has been lifted from her shoulders.
“Okay. I will text you a date and time.”
“Thank you,” I breathe. The phone clicks off, and immediately, tears spring to my eyes and spill over in rivers as if they were poised at my lash line, waiting to be released.
“What happened?” Cage asks, rushing over to me and cupping my face between his palms. Thankfully, he had the foresight to take off his rubber gloves, even though his body is still covered in blood from extracting their teeth.
His eyes dart between mine, concern etched into his slanted brows.
“She’s going to let me see Layla,” I croak, the end of my declaration broken by a hiccup .
“Come here, baby,” Cage mumbles, ushering me into his arms. I keep my chin tilted up and away from his chest, while he bows his forehead to rest on my shoulder, hugging me tightly.
The cap that was held tightly over the emotions I had bottled inside me during the conversation bursts off, and I lose myself, sobbing into his neck while he sways us side to side.
So much fear, hurt, and loneliness is released from my chest. Ten years without seeing her beautiful smile, hearing her say my name—it’s been torture. Worse than anything I’ve ever suffered at the hands of dirty men.
I had never known love until Layla was born, and for years, my world revolved around her seeing another day. Then, it revolved around protecting her from me and all the baggage that I towed around.
And now, it feels like I’ve finally been set free. From the chains that were wrapped around my ankles, constantly dragging me back into my sordid past every time I tried to escape it.
“I get to see her,” I squeak out between harsh wails.
“You get to see her. And she’ll get to love you now.”
That only makes me cry harder. I’ve never known a god, but if one exists, He’ll grant me my sister’s love. That’s all I’ve ever wanted.
I’m not sure how much time passes before my cries die down, my throat raw, and my eyes bloodshot and swollen.
Cage pulls away just enough to swipe the tears from my cheeks with his thumbs.
“I love you, little ghost. And I know she will, too.”
I hiccup as he leans in and rests his lips against my forehead, kissing me there softly .
“I love you, too.”
Just as I catch my breath, my phone goes off again, and for a second time, scaring the absolute shit out of me.
Clearing away the lingering emotion from my throat, I answer without looking.
“Hello?”
“I hear you’re good at making people disappear.”
The deep, male voice is jarring and not what I was expecting. I pull the phone away from my ear, checking the number. It’s unknown.
“Who is this?”
“Most know me by Z. But you can call me Zade.”
THE END
Molly is first introduced in the Cat & Mouse duet. If you haven’t already, pick up these books to experience all this world has to offer!
Reading Order:
Satan’s Affair
Haunting Adeline
Hunting Adeline
Satan's Affair
Haunting Adeline
Hunting Adeline
Does It Hurt?
Shallow River
First as always, a huge thank you to my readers. You all have put up with my slow writing and stuck around during times of extreme burnout where I didn’t know if I was successfully going to be able to write another book. I can’t thank you enough for your continued support, and being someone I can rely on no matter what. I love you all from the depths of my black soul.
Secondly, thank you to my amazing husband. Without your support, I wouldn’t be where I am today. We’re the best power couple that ever lived, in my personal opinion. You’re also the best husband in the world, and I’m so glad to be dominating the world with you by my side. I love you so much.
And thank you to Sam, the most dedicated stalker, and my best friend. You’ve been an incredible support system and looking at your face 24/7 while you yell at me to write while simultaneously distracting me with anal tattoo ideas has been the highlight of my days. Even if it was initially forced, I’m so thankful you’re in my life. Forever. I love you, weirdo .
Kristie and Samantha, sitting in the diner with you two is one of my favorite memories. And where Molly’s story was born. I love you both and am so eternally grateful for you two.
Next, thank you to my alpha readers, Amanda, May, and Tosh. I would trust all three of you with a trust fall, but even more, I can trust you guys with my book babies, and that’s some real shit. Thank you for never being my yes-men, but always my biggest supporters. And thank you for tearing my books apart and treating me like a commoner that can barely spell, kicking my ass when I don’t know the answers to questions about my own books, and figuring my shit out for me. My books definitely would not be what they are without you three.
To my betas, Autumn, Nicki, Ana, Janine, and Taylor, I appreciate all of you so damn much. Again, for not being my yes-men, but incredible supporters who kick my ass. Thank you, thank you, thank you for being by my side.
Thank you to my kick-ass editors, Angie and Rumi. Thank you for always making these books look shiny. I appreciate you both so much.
And last but certainly not least, thank you to my bestie, cover designer, and cheerleader, Cassie. You always make these covers so beautiful, but your soul is even prettier. I love you.
H. D. Carlton is a USA Today and International Bestselling Author. She lives in Ohio with her partner, two dogs, and cat. When she's not bathing in the tears of her readers, she's watching paranormal shows and wishing she was a mermaid. Her favorite characters are of the morally gray variety and believes that everyone should check their sanity at the door before diving into her stories.
Learn more about H. D. Carlton on . Join her newsletter to receive updates, teasers, giveaways, and special deals .
And if you’re brave, join the for extra early torturing—I mean teasing.
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Goodreads
So, you decided to stick around, huh?
Here’s your reward…
Molly
Present
September 4th, 2023
“Jesus fuck, you’re tall,” I breathe, my eyes rounding.
The man strides into my barn like he owns the place, and if he demanded it of me, I just might concede. Not only is he tall, but he’s also fucking scary-looking.
The contrast between his dark brown eye and light blue eye is startling. And the scar cutting through the left one—starting from just above his eyebrow and straight down to the middle of his cheek—only heightens the savage look he possesses.
No wonder he’s the head of the most prominent organization in the world.