Page 19 of Tethered

“That apartment is in his name. He can keep it. I want nothing from it other than a few personal items like birth certificates and stuff.”

“I might have a criminal conviction, Sheriff. But I also have a shit-ton of money, and I can tie that man up in litigation until Hannah turns eighteen if I have to,” I bite out.

Dawn looks up at me in surprise. I nudge my hip with hers before turning back to Shepard.

“Alright, if that’s what you want. I’ll accompany you to get your things. That way, he can’t try anything.”

Dawn visibly wilts at the thought of facing him again, and who can blame her?

“I’ll go. You tell me what you need and where to find it, and I’ll get everything for you.”

“I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Shepard begins.

I glare at him. “I think it will be less traumatic for everyone this way. And I’ll take comfort knowing she’s safe here with Riggs.”

Riggs doesn’t look happy about me leaving without him, but he keeps his mouth shut, knowing this is the best outcome foreveryone. Besides, I doubt Shepard will let me get hurt on his watch.

“Okay. If that’s what needs to be done, then I’ll take Calliope to collect your things,” he tells Dawn gently.

Dawn looks up at me in relief. “I’ll write down everything I want and where to find it all.”

“Okay.”

She heads inside as I turn back to Shepard, but I don’t know what to say.

“Why don’t you go grab a couple of those wheeled crates you have. It will be easier than having to go back and forth to the cruiser,” Riggs says to me after a minute.

I look between the two of them and nod. “I’ll be right back.”

“Take your time. There’s no rush,” he replies, his eyes on Shepard. He’s been waiting for this moment to give the man some home truths, and who am I to deny him that?

“Just don’t hit him. He’s petty enough to arrest you for it,” I throw over my shoulder, making Riggs laugh. I smile as the sound of it follows me all the way upstairs.

Chapter Six

It’s times like these I wish I could drive, then I could have met him there. But no, instead I have to endure the car ride from hell. I keep my focus out the window, but that doesn’t mean I’m not conscious of every breath this man takes. If that wasn’t bad enough, his scent seems to have wrapped itself around me and refuses to let go, and I’m about ready to throw myself out the window.

“You gonna ignore me the whole way?”

I look over at him. “I don’t see why not. It seems to have worked well for you over the last couple of months.”

“Ouch. I deserved that.”

“I know.” I turn to look out the window at the bare landscape that seems a little less barren than it did the last time I passed it.

“You see it, too, huh?”

“What, the giant dick stuck to your forehead?” When he doesn’t answer, I look at him and sigh. “I guess that’s just me then.”

“Poppy—”

“I swear to god if you call me that once more, I will cut you.”

“Did you just threaten a police officer?”

“You’re not a police officer to me right now.”

“No. I’m the guy who broke your heart.”