Page 188 of Override

"I will follow your recommendation."

"That sounded painful."

"It was."

"Say it."

I'd glared at her. She'd smiled. I hated this family. "I will give Maeve every option."

"Including Ronan." I'd looked at the ceiling. "Keaton."

"Yes. Including Ronan."

Rachel had hugged me. Completely unnecessary.

I stare at the ceiling now as that promise sits like a weight on my chest. If Maeve chooses him, I have to let her go.

The thought makes my fingers twitch against the blanket beneath me.

Tap. Tap. Pause.

I stop myself before the next two. Today is going to be a shit show. Definitely.

A vibration sounds near my head. I freeze. Maeve shifts in the bed.

I turn toward her, watching as she rolls onto her other side and pulls the blanket higher over her shoulder.

Still asleep.

I reach for the phone on the floor beside me, then stop when the screen blurs.

I reach beside the pillow until my fingers find my glasses. The moment I slide them onto my face, the room comes back into focus.

Better. Much better.

I pick up my phone. Then groan. Callum. Of course.

Callum Rizzoli:

WHAT THE FUCK.

Me:

He was fucking killing her! He was choking her. I didn’t know what to do. I fucking took her. She’s safe.

Carefully, I push myself up from the floor and gather the phone and the weapon I'd left beside me. I don't bother with the pillow or blanket.

I make my way toward the door as quietly as possible.

My hand is on the knob when Maeve makes another soft sound behind me. I glance back. She's still asleep.

Her hair is spread across the pillow, one hand tucked beneath her cheek while the other grips the blanket near her chin.

Something pulls painfully beneath my ribs. Today, I have to ask her if she wants to go back.

I hate today.

My phone vibrates for the second time. I look at Callum's name. I hate him too.