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“What do you want?” he asks whomever lurks out of view.
“I’m looking for Mr. Novak.”
“You have an update, Carl?” Monty remains beside me, not showing himself.
Given the stab wound on his neck, it’s a smart move.
“Yes.” Carl clears his throat. “All media personnel and visitors have been escorted off the premises, and the island is now secure. We have completed a thorough sweep of the area and will maintain a vigilant presence throughout the evening. You can rest assured that there will be no further disturbances tonight.”
Frankie stirs in Monty’s arms, a soft whimper escaping her lips.
My protective instincts flare immediately, and I place a hand on her thigh.
“Thank you.” Monty dismisses the guard, tucking her closer.
As the sound of the front door shuts behind the guard, she looks around, disoriented and confused.
The clarity in her eyes isn’t there yet. She’s still fuzzy, trying to piece together where she is. I’ve been in her position. It’s a terrible feeling.
“What happened?” She doesn’t notice Monty’s bleeding wound, her focus too scattered to catch details.
My heart aches for her, and I know we need to be gentle.
“You had a panic attack. But you’re safe now. We’re all here.” I meet Monty’s eyes and shape my lips around a command. Couch.
She blinks, trying to absorb the information. Her lips tighten, and her hands shake as she grips his shoulders. The fear hasn’t fully dissipated.
When we reach the living room and she sees the couch, her body tenses.
“No…not the couch.” A sharp, panicked cry cleaves from her chest. “Not the couch.”
The fucking couch in Denver’s video. It needs to be set on fire.
“Okay, okay.” Monty turns away and steps in front of me to catch my attention. “It’s dark outside.”
He thrusts his chin at the nearby window.
Carrying her to the guest house after nightfall could trigger another panic attack, as it might remind her of the night she was abducted.
I exchange a quick glance with Leo. The distrust we feel for Monty is mutual, but right now, she needs safety and rest.
“Plenty of beds upstairs.” Leo veers toward the staircase, motioning for us to follow.
As we ascend to the second floor, I stick to Monty’s side to stay in her line of sight.
“I don’t remember…I don’t remember anything.” Her eyes dart around, trying to anchor herself to the present.
“It’s okay.” I lean in, softening my tone despite the frustration boiling underneath. “You don’t need to remember right now. Just focus on me.”
“Where are we?”
“You’re home.” Monty adjusts his hold on her and follows Leo into the first room. “You’re in the guest bedroom.” He sets her on the bed and brushes the hair from her face, taking too many goddamn liberties with his hands. “You’re safe. Just try to relax.”
I recognize the effort it takes for her to calm down, her breathing still uneven. It tears at me, especially since he’s in the damn way, hovering over her.
His presence is a necessary evil since I can’t kick him out of his own house.
“We’re here for you, Frankie.” I push down the resentment, keeping my voice soft. “Just take it easy. We’ve got you.”
