Lahat ng Kabanata ng Aaliyah’s Return : Kabanata 61 - Kabanata 70

After swimming with Noah, we rinse off quickly. Towels, hair dripping, then we head straight to the elevator. Noah’s hand is in mine, warm. The lobby feels loud. Security is blocking someone Karly. She’s trying to push past them .I freeze for a moment . Gabe glances at me. “Boss?” he says, already moving. “Find out why Karly keeps showing up,” I tell him. My voice sounding sharper than I meant. I tug Noah and we step into the elevator . While I am holding the door open for some other guests to step in . Shr is still Karly is yelling , making a scene . I roll my eyes at her . “Aaliyah! One moment please ! Trust me You’ll want to hear this!” I don’t stop or step out . Noah glances at her . “Mummy, why is that aunty calling you like that? What does she want?” “Nothing important Noah . Uncle Gabe will deal with it.” I press the elevator button fast as soon as its full and the doors slide shut. Inside, I exhale. Upstairs, Brandon and Shawn are waiting in the apartmen

The conversation flows in the limo between us like chilled wine. Its always been like that between me and him our vibes are so much in sync. We’ve been talking about moving back to the pack for a few days ,” I say. “Since Noah’s school is starting again. Brandon thinks he needs to spend time with his peers. Really get to know them.” “Yes,” Shawn says, “it’s a good idea. We have rooms in Brandon’s house. Either me or Desmond can stop by whenever you’re away.” His eyes stay on me. “I don’t know about Desmond,” he says lower, “but I know I can’t stay away from you too long.” I don’t look away. He leans closer. And closer. Almost there...I can almost taste his lips... His breath smells of liquorice his favorite snack. I can smell his cologne a mix of cool blue and Blueberry...The limo rolls to a smooth stop. Shawn leans back and gives me that familiar, knowing smile. “Here we are,” he says softly. I lick my lips my mouth feels dry all of a sudden.. Before I can think of an answer , t

Karly gulps down almost half her water in a go, the telltale sign of her anxiety apparent as her hands tremble when she goes to drop the glass cup on the table. Shawn and I move our chairs slightly away from her, not too obvious, just enough to give her the sense of breathing space she seems to need. It works, as her shoulders start to relax a little bit, as if we’ve taken all our attention off her.Just as it seems like she wants to start talking , my phone starts ringing across the table.“Oh, sugar,” I mutter under my breath, already knowing who it might be. I look at the screen. Sure enough It’s Brandon. Of course. I can’t ignore this call.“Hey, Brandon, Is Noah okay?” I answer, my voice pitched carefully calm.“Hey, Aaliyah. Yes he is fine. We just had Dinner and He is in his pajamas . I noticed it’s getting a bit late. Me and the men all agreed no late Date nights for now.” His tone is both gentle and firm, and it makes my stomach turn a little with guilt. I move my cha

I pick up a notebook and pen from the table and hand them to Karly. Then I place my phone down beside it, ready to record. Pressing play immediately.. “Here, Karly use this and Write as much as you can. Every detail matters and Say as much as you remember,” I tell her gently. She nods, still blowing her nose, and begins. “I… I always knew my dad was into shady things,” she starts, her voice small and trembling as if she was reliving a nightmare . “I… I was an only child, so I was very observant. I watched everything. I didn't have any other siblings to distract me... He… he was hardly ever home at night. And… and he used to take a lot of weird trips. Sometimes he came back in the middle of the night…. with a briefcase… full of cash… and a rifle.” Her hands shake as she gestures faintly, as if showing it all to me. “I… I was warned, since I was very young… five years old… never to touch his briefcase. But… one day… when he was busy with Mama… I… I opened it. That’s… that’s how I k

After Shawn leaves, I turn to Karly taking her hands in mine and I lock eyes with her. I don’t blink. I need to know if she’s truly finished with being their doormat or if this is just another Morgan trick. They always play the same game bait, trap, and reel you in. If this was a setup, I don't think she would have told me so much. She would’ve dangled crumbs. She spoke as if vomiting the truth is the only way to free her soul . And it probably is .. “Karly this can end with you . But you have to be strong and brave . I can only help you if and when you are ready to help yourself,” I say, calm though my chest feels tight. “Talking is one thing. Doing is another. Are you ready to break free from them?” Her face twists. Lips trembling, lashes wet, hands knotted in her lap. She stares at me for a long time then tears start to drop from my eyes again . “I’ve been waiting for you , for ten years I waited ,” she whispers. Her voice shakey, but her words are firm. “Only you c