Page 141 of For Your Consideration

“I’m sorry this happened to you.” The officer tucked his notepad back in his pocket and handed his card to Sutton. “Please call me if you need anything. You’re free to go but we will be in touch.”

“You’re going to crack your jaw,” Sutton muttered after the police went to interview the two witnesses, her free hand gently touching my cheek. Her touch might have calmed me except that her voice was shaky.

Jaxson came up to where we were still standing in the back of the ambulance. “Maya’s gotten in touch with the officers and will be getting a copy of the report. I’ve also directed them to which cameras they should check.” His eyes bounced to me, a darkness there. I knew he’d seen the video. Seen her be attacked. I wasn’t sure I’d ever be able to see it.

“Thank you,” I muttered as I gently pulled Sutton into my side. I could tell that the adrenaline was running out. She looked about ready to fall asleep on her feet.

“Get her home.” He reached out and gently touched her shoulder before he turned and left.

“Let’s go get our girl,” I told her.

I got Sutton in the car and jacked up the heat to try and slow some of her shaking. Neither of us said anything as we made the drive back to her place. Every time I glanced at her out of my peripheral vision, it was like she was trying to pull herself back together.

She waited as I went around the car and pulled open her door. She didn’t immediately get out, still staring forward. “Sutton?” I reached out, resting my hand on the side of her neck.

“You won’t leave me?” Her voice came out quiet, cracking at the end. I gently forced her gaze to mine.

“Never. I would have to be dead to not be by your side, and even then I might be able to crawl my way out of hell to you.” My own voice was low, my vow ringing between us.

Her posture deflated a little, a small smile touching her lips. “Drastic.”

“Accurate,” I challenged back.

She grabbed my hand and I helped her out of the car.

The second we were at Iris’s, she was pulled into a gentle hug, some whispered words between them.

“What are you doing up, sweet girl?” I asked as Sophie screamed for me from her playpen in the middle of the living room. She reached for me and I scooped her up, tucking her into my side. Her head went to rest on my shoulder. I saw her pacifier on the table and grabbed it. She happily took it, the sucking soothing for her as she settled.

“She was not going down,” Iris said, her hand still on Sutton’s arm. “She might have sensed something was off.”

Sutton reached over and squeezed Iris’s hand before moving over toward us. Sophie reached for her and I let her go. Both of them let out a breath, like they needed each other.

“Thanks, Iris.” Sutton’s voice cracked as she pressed a kiss to Sophie’s head.

Iris waved her off. “You don’t need to thank family for taking care of each other.”

I saw Sutton gulp, tears coming to her eyes. “I love you.”

“Of course you do,” Iris scoffed with a small eye roll and a smile. “I love you both too. Now,” she looked over at me, “are you getting them out of here?”

“I’ve got ’em.” I looked over at Sutton.

“I know you do.” Iris patted my shoulder as she walked by. “We’ll talk in the morning.”

“Do you want to come stay at my place?” I asked, moving to grab Sophie’s diaper bag.

“Me?” Iris asked, touching a hand to her chest, looking between Sutton and me.

I nodded. “I’ve got lots of rooms if you want to be close.” I cleared my throat. I didn’t even question the offer. I’d only ever had the men or Sutton stay in my space but this was different. This was Sutton’s family.

“Thank you for the offer but she looks like she’s going to crash.” She tilted her chin over at Sutton. “Why don’t I bring coffee over in the morning?”

“That sounds great.” Sutton moved to place a kiss on Iris’s cheek before the older woman shooed us out of her apartment.

I stayed by Sutton’s side after we got home, managing to get her to eat some toast before we did Sophie’s bathtime routine.

“We never got to eat pancakes,” Sutton muttered as she carefully poured some water over Sophie’s head while I kept her distracted with a toy. Both of us were kneeling on the floor in front of the tub, our arms in the water. My shirt was still wet from where Sophie had splashed me. Her joyous little one-year-old energy calmed the murderous rage running through me.