Chapter 71Samantha BlackheartPOVJulliet and I stay up waiting for Blake and Craig to return. After everything Blake and Craig went to look for Aaron. They had a doctor check that both baby and I are fine. He left an hour ago.I just hope Craig isn’t hurt. That he’ll return to me safely.When the front door opens both Julliet and I stand and rush over to the door.Blake’s the only one that walks in through.I sigh. Where’s Craig.“Don’t worry about Craig. He’ll be here soon. Why don’t you take a seat Sam…” Blake says when he sees me.He pulls Julliet into his arms. “Why aren’t the two of you asleep?” he asks.I shrug my shoulders and make my way to the sofa.“How were the girls?” Blake asks Julliet.Julliet and Blake talk for what feels like forever before the front door opens again.Craig walks in his head hung.I get up and rush over to him.When he notices me and smiles and pulls me into his arms.“Hey baby, what are you still up? Why didn’t you go to sleep?” he asks.“I wanted t
Amanda DevinePOVI knew my life was over the second those men grabbed us from my basement. My life was flashing before my eyes. I couldn’t find out where I went wrong. We’d done everything the way we were supposed to. The couple who gave us Samantha’s location gave us everything we needed to get away with it, Craig Blackheart should never have found us. Samantha was supposed to be dead down a ditch.Not me locked up in some dirty, filthy basement.I clench my fists. Samatha should be dead!We’ve been down here for what feels like days. Weeks even. Aaron got away with what he did. He didn’t have to pay the same way we did. He was gone by the time we got there. And when I try to tell the two men watching us, the more they ignore me. We were going to die here. I knew it. They were trying to mentally exhaust us before they end our lives. Greg has been quiet in a corner since we got here.He hasn’t made a sound, other than the meals they give us, is the only time he looks up.He’s been sl
Chapter 72Craig BlackheartPOVThere’s either something wrong with this woman, or she’s just plain dumb?Either way it’s not looking good for her. I don’t care if she’s plain dumb or plain stupid. She dies for thinking she could lay a finger on Sam and get away with it.I tilt my head to the side as I listen to her ramble on about what good of a man I am. The type of man I am. I’m the type of man who wouldn’t hesitate to kill anyone who thinks they can lay a finger on my family.I don’t have to be a bad man to protect my family. If I let her go, she’ll come back and cause more harm in the future."A good man would still kill you." I speak.After I left my parents this morning, I spent an hour just driving around the city, I needed to calm down. I felt like I’d betrayed Sam by not killing them. No matter how bad my parents had gotten I’ve never felt the amount of rage I had last night.After leaving them I didn’t feel any better. I still don’t feel happy about leaving them like that.
Chapter 73Blake DavenportPOVAs soon as Craig leaves, I take his seat and watch these two squirms under my stare.I let them simmer. They’re dying before the clock strikes twelve. I’ve always been the type of person who didn’t let people cross them.Samantha is like family. Like a little sister to me.I’ve known Craig for a really long time. He’s been there for me more times than I can count. He’s been alone for most of it. him meeting Samantha someone who made him happy and gave him a family has been a blessing. These two tried to take that away from my best friend I wasn’t going to let them get away with it.Last night when the girls were sleeping Craig came to me and told me what his parents did. How they funded this whole operation. How they tried to get Samantha away from Craig.I was devastated for him. The Blackhearts needed to be humbled. I was going to be the one to humble them for my best friend and his happiness. They were always going to be there trying to break him and
I nod. “We could do something at home as well, I don’t feel comfortable with that either, but that’s a part of our lives as well. We won’t be able to keep them in that bubble forever.” I say.She shakes her head "I know, but they’re too young right now..."I smile kissing her head "Of course, we’ll do it the way you want it…" I tell her.“So, when are we trying for baby number three?” she asks.My eyes widen. “What? You just gave birth to the girls and you’re already thinking of another? If I remember correctly, you were in labor for almost twenty-four hours.” I remind her.She smiles. “I want a boy as well. And I thought you’d want a son…”“The girls are more than enough for me. I don’t think I ever want to see you in the same about of pain again. Jesus, I’ve never felt that powerless in my life…” I shake my head.Just thinking about it sends shivers down my spine."You’re being dramatic again..." she rolls her eyes."I am not being dramatic Julliet. You were in so much pain and refu
Chapter 75Garret VanderbiltPOVFor as long as I could remember I’ve never thought about being with another woman after Sarah and I divorced. Here am I sitting in my house with a ring in my hand.Dianna and I haven’t dated long but I know I want to marry this woman; I love her with everything in me. My feelings for her continue to grow with each waking moment.Grayson has been my whole life since the moment he was born. I gave my entire being into his care. My son was my whole heart. I wouldn’t change any of the choices or the decisions I’ve made in my life.I’d already spoken to Grayson, and he actually helped me pick out this ring. A ten-carat diamond platinum ring. The ring is huge. The thing weighs a ton.Grayson encouraged me to take this step. I was ready but I wasn’t sure if Grayson was. He was more than happy for me to take this step. Dianna is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. Our chance meeting and Grayson’s intervention brought us together.But I believe
"I’ll have the house dry white please." Dianna says."Will you be having the same as well sir?" she asks.I shake my head. “No, I’ll just have an orange juice please. I’m driving…” I tell her."Would you like me to bring out your drinks now or with your food?" she asks.“You can bring it out now…” I tell her.She nods and leaves.Dianna and I speak about what we have planned for the next few months. What we’re doing for Christmas.“I normally spend Christmas morning with Gray and then he goes and has Christmas dinner with his mom and her family.” I tell her.“Do you want to spend Christmas evening with my family? We’re opening gifts in the evening with everyone. The whole gang will be there. With Paige’s baby’s due date next month, I assume she’ll be there as well.” Dianna says.I remember Paige, Julliet’s cousin’s dad has cancer and has two months to live, if everything goes well, he’ll get to meet his grandson before he dies.The food was great and the more we spoke the less nervous
Chapter 76Hours earlierJulliet HarveyPOVSitting in a crowded restaurant with my best friend wasn’t my idea of a good time anymore. I’ve gotten used to being at home all the time now being out and about isn’t as fun as it used to be.“So, what are we doing for Paige’s baby shower? We never got to do your baby shower…” Kendell asks.I pull a face. “I haven’t spoken to Paige in a while. She’s been busy working and focusing on her father. Unless we have it with her dad, I don’t think she’ll want anything to do with a baby shower.” I tell her.She nods. “How is she doing?” she asks.I sigh. “She’s handling better than I thought she would. I thought she’d completely shut down…” I tell her.She nods while taking a sip of her wine.“So how things with Ryan and you?” I ask her.She blushes. “We’re good. Things are going a lot slower than I expected them to. But we’ve been talking about the future together. So, I’m excited for the future…” she tells me.I smile. “I’m so happy for you… You o