TWISTED FATE (Twisted Path Book 1)

Chapter 24

Shane

At the sound of the doorknob turning, relief surges through me, and I rush to meet her. The moment she steps inside, I pull her into my arms, shutting and locking the door behind us like I'm sealing us off from the rest of the world. Finally, I can breathe again. Her scent—a soft, fruity sweetness lingering even beneath the heavy layers of diner food—settles the restless energy simmering inside me.

"You okay?" I whisper, my lips brushing a slow, lingering kiss on her hairline. She nods against me, but I pull back, needing to see her. Taking her hands in mine, I give them a reassuring squeeze. "It's late, and we've got school tomorrow. Go hop in the shower, get ready for bed. We'll talk after, once you're done."

Her eyes dart to mine, uncertain. "Are you... are you sure? I don't want to hold you up, Shane. You have school tomorrow, too."

"I'm sure." I offer her a soft smile, though it's weighed down by everything that's still unsaid between us. "When it's time for me to leave, I'll feel better knowing you're safe and tucked into bed for the night."

When she hesitates, I cup her cheek, my thumb skimming the side of her face as I tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Becca, please. Let me take care of you."

To my relief, she nods and does as I ask, grabbing clothes from her dresser before disappearing into the small bathroom. The sound of the door closing behind her feels like the first crack of a dam, and I let out a long, shaky breath.

God, I'm so damn nervous.

Even though I've managed to push away the fear that she's planning to end things between us, something is still deeply wrong. She's not just worried, she's terrified. And the intensity of her fear is like an invisible vice wrapped around my throat.

Charles Kline.

The name alone sharpens the edges of my thoughts, turning them cold and dangerous. The man has already shown just how ruthless he can be. He's proven the lengths he's willing to go to control his children and destroy anyone who threatens his plans for them. After what he did to Nick and Miranda, I know he's capable of anything. And if he's turned his sights on Becca?

The thought sends a chill crawling down my spine.

I can't just sit here. I have to do something.

Digging my phone out of my pocket, I scroll through my contacts and press the name of the only adult in my life I truly trust.

"Young Montgomery!" Cedric's voice booms through the phone, warm and rich, and I instantly know I'm doing the right thing. "Long time no speak! How have you been?"

His jovial tone pulls a smile from me despite everything weighing on my mind. The sound of his voice brings back a flood of memories. As our family chauffeur, Cedric wasn't just the man behind the wheel; he was the one constant in a life that often felt untethered. Long before I got my license at sixteen, he was the one who made sure I got where I needed to go. He dropped me off for every first day of school, waited patiently to pick me up at the end of long, grueling days, and somehow, he always knew the right things to say to make the world feel a little less daunting and lonely.

While there were times in my youth when I questioned my parents' love—when their priorities seemed to be everywhere but with me—I never once doubted Cedric's. He showed up for me time and time again with a warm, unwavering care that spoke louder than words ever could. And even now, years later, I know he'd still do anything for me.

"Hi, Cedric. I'm good. I, uh... I need your help."

There's a brief pause, then his voice softens. "Alright. I'm listening."