Page 96 of Sterling Clay

The two who have claimed my heart. Forever.

Chapter 34

[Mavis]

Clay has so many questions, and I want to tell him everything. While I am exhausted, I am also wired.

Once we are ushered inside, I am still trying to mentally catch up with all that happened. Plus, there was my dad suddenly in the driveway flanked by two men I didn’t recognize. The club is changing. I don’t want the details.

Unfortunately, the audience in Clay’s house quickly closes in on me when I know his family means well. They’d rallied to be here for him, and they deserved my story for the worry it caused their brother.

Still, I feel uneasy and pressured.

Sensing my hesitation, and maybe recognizing that Dutton and I need food and a hot shower before anything else, people slowly peel away from Clay’s place. From our home.

First, Sebastian and Ford. Then Judd. Vale told Clay about some dish she’d made and was ready to be heated up while Stone gathered papers and equipment off the kitchen table. As local law enforcement, he’d linger to hear what happened.

Before each family member left, I am given a tight hug and encouraging words.

Glad you’re back.

Glad you’re safe.

Gave him quite a fright.

Happy nothing happened to you.

Had nothing happened?

With only Stone and Clay remaining, I set Dutton up in his room with another Princess Power video, explaining I needed a few minutes to tell them what happened. Still, I hesitated before closing his door.

“Can you leave it open a sliver?” he asks, eyes wild. He’s been through a lot in the last twenty-four hours as well as me, and I worry about the emotional damage this latest incident will bring him.

“Of course, little bear. I’ll only be in the living room with Stone and Clay.”

I blow him a kiss and he weakly smiles, settling into his bed when it’s only mid-morning. We are definitely calling today a snow day from school and a sick day from work.

I hadn’t forgotten that I’d missed yesterday and should be at the hospital today. Vale told me she’d called Trinity, hoping she could help with my sudden absence. Vale explained about the accident and then said I had a family emergency. I hadn’t called in because I’d left my phone behind in my haste.

I was going to owe both Trinity and Vale for their help, which I’d said to Vale.

“Family doesn’t owe. We love,” Vale assured me.

The thought nearly brought me to tears. I suspect more tears would come later.

Entering the living room, Clay has a fire burning in the fireplace and he motions for me to take a seat beside him on the couch. Wrapping his arm around me, he tugs me to slouch back into the familiar cushions.

“Want some tea? Coffee?” Stone offers.

Coffee would be great, but I shake my head, wanting to get this interview over with.

“I’d like to bring you into the station to take a statement, but I thought it might be best to chat here first. I know you’ve been through an ordeal, but I want you to tell me everything while it’s still fresh.”

I nod and Clay presses a kiss to my temple.

Starting at the beginning, I tell them about the accident and how my phone was left behind. I tell them about Darren’s arrival, where he took us, and our long stay in the motel.

Stone holds up a hand. “Did he hurt you? Or Dutton?” His gaze falls to the bruising beneath my eyes.