TRAPPED (Breaking Free Book 2) (24 page)

              “Okay,” I offer up on a nod.

              Thirty minutes later, I have rushed through the last few years living with Dan and just how bad things got before I was able to walk away, ending on him kidnapping me from Hunter.

              Ant’s face remained stony as I spoke, not once did he interrupt me, only appearing to get angrier the more I spoke. The second I opened my mouth it all just came rushing out, it felt good to get it off my chest with someone who is completely unbiased.

              I watch as he stands and paces the floor before me, anxious to see how he is going to respond. “Why didn’t you come to me sooner?” How do I answer that?

              I breathe out and tell him how Dan threatened
to hurt us should we come near him, how I also didn’t think it was fair to drag him in to my mess and have him disappointed
i
n how Dan has turned out. I can see now I was wrong, but at the time I was so scared to do anything that would upset Dan.

              He crouches before me, face level with mine, “Connie you have nothing to be fearful of anymore, I had a visit from some friends of your new man, and let’s just say I was good friends with one of their fathers in the army.” I frown at his words, wondering when Hunter would have sent someone to see ant, and how they would have even found out he existed. He continues, “I need you to go home to your children and just wait it out, you are the only one to know I will be bringing him down tomorrow. You cannot offer up even a hint to anyone, anyone at all. If Dan gets wind of this at all, the whole thing will be shot to bits and I will have lost my chance to put a stop to this.”

              I’m in shock, I can’t believe Ant has known all along, I’m absolutely gobsmacked.

              “How long have you known?” My voice sounds hollow, and hurt. How many more secrets are people going to keep from me? Am I the only one out of the loop?

“About a week sweetheart, if I had known sooner I would have put that boy on the straight and narrow, now all I can do is catch up with him, hope I can talk some sense in to him and turn him over
to the police.
” A resigned look flashes across his face, and I can’t help but feel guilty briefly, if I had come to him in the beginning, then none of this would be happening, but then Dan had me on such a tight leash, I had no choice, or so I thought at the time.

              “I’m sorry.” He shakes his head adamantly at me, “Don’t you dare, this is in no way your fault, I hoped he wouldn’t turn out like his Father, but there is nothing I can do about that now, and neither can you, this was all him.” His words make sense, I just can’t help but remember the times before he turned, before he started with the control and violence, he was so sweet and doted on me in every way, all of that changed almost overnight.

              I shake the thoughts off, knowing Ant is right, this was on Dan, not me.

              He take
s
my hand, speaking softly to me, “go home, be with your children and this new man of yours. I’ll be having a word to make sure he treats you right, though
from what you are saying he sounds like a keeper.” He winks at me, and mock fans himself. “Where can I find a man like that?”

              A giggle escapes my lips, and a smile is pasted on his, the man really is one of the nicest people you could meet, he would make someone very happy.

              My phone rings from my bag, and I dig it out, wincing when I spot Hunter’s face on the screen, his blue eyes piercing me.

              “Hello.” I answer somewhat gingerly, dreading the confrontation.

              “Where the fuck are you? I come home to Lottie sat on our sofa, Ryan informing me your car was taken, and you nowhere in sight, so where are you?” Oh fuck, I’m in for it, why can’t I ever get away with anything. My luck is well and truly shit.

              “I popped to the shops, I won’t be long.” I’m calculating the route in my head, wincing again when I realise I have at least a twenty five minute drive ahead of me.

              Oh really, that’s not what your GPS is saying!” He barks down the line.

              Oh my god, the arse, he surely hasn’t got a tracker on
me, no way! I can’t believe he would do that.

              “Are you kidding me?” I screech back.

              “No, I’m fucking not! I told you your phone would be tracked, we can’t be taking any chances.” He sounds sheepish suddenly, but soon gets arsey again. “Stay put, I’m already on my way, you and me are having a talk as soon as I get there.” And he hangs up, no goodbye, just cuts me off.

              “Bollocks.” I whisper to myself.

              “Can’t blame the man.” Ant’s voice behind me makes me jump, I didn’t even realise he had moved. “You shouldn’t be out alone, the man has every right to worry as he has done. And I applaud him for tracking you to keep you safe, you have a good’un there girl.”

              I groan inwardly, knowing he is right, but just wanting to be able to pop out without having my man track me down and come and get me. It’s a move Dan would pull, even if it is for my own good.

              A crash from the porch causes Ant and I to jump, both looking to the other before he puts his finger to his lips, urging me to remain silent. He creeps towards the door, bouncing back as the door flies open and hits him in the forehead.

              My eyes widen as I watch him fall to the floor, lying in a heap unmoving. Fuck, this cannot be happening, and I have no idea where Hunter is.

              I frantically attempt to unlock my phone, entering the password wrong before finally unlocking it. I daren’t look up, I already know who it must be, and I know if I look up I will waste time in alerting Hunter of the situation.

              I drag up his name, pressing the button to call him. It rings several times, before he answers, “I told you to stay put, I’m nearly”

              “Hunter, Hunter shhhh.” I cut him off, he must hear the urgency in my voice, he becomes silent instantly.

              I place the phone beside me, out of sight and turn my attention
to
the body walking towards me. “Hello babe, ready to come home?” The man is seriously deluded, I have no home with him, and never will do. He appears even worse than before, sporting a full on beard, dirty and ratty, his hair in serious need of a cut and thick with grease. His skin is pale and sunken with bags around his eyes, and he is wearing a filthy pair of jeans and blue polo top a few sizes too big for him. His appearance makes me cringe, he looks like a bum.

              I struggle to come up with a plan of action, my only thought being to keep him calm and not have him do anything rash before Hunter arrives. “Your Uncle, is he okay?” I ask, in an attempt to divert his attention.

              He merely shrugs in response, “How should I know? I’m not here for him, I’m here for you
.
” His eyes look down to my chest, and I bite back the retort on my tongue, swallowing down the bile rising in my throat.

              My eyes dart around the room, desperate to find an escape and get away from Dan. “Can I just use the toilet? I haven’t been feeling too well.” His eyes flare with anger, forcing me to shrink back in to the seat and shy away. Old habits soon returning.

              His hand flies out and connects with my face before I have a chance to see it, a cry leaving my lips as the pain radiates to the other side, his hits coming so fast I don’t get the chance to react. I curl in to a ball, covering my face as I begin to sob, praying for
Hu
nter to hurry.

              “You stupid cunt, how dare you get knocked up by that prick.”

              My heart rate spikes, black spots invading my vision, more from the panic of what I am about to endure, then the hits I have already taken.

              “Hunter!” I call out, shrinking further in to a ball, as I hear a growl come from Dan’s chest.

Hunter:

              My heart feels fit to burst from my chest with happiness, the possibility of my girl being pregnant making me feel the happiest man alive. I understand her reaction, knowing all too well what she has been through, but also feeling slighted by her response to the possibility of carrying my baby.

              I know sh
e’
s scared, and tha
t’
s why
I’
m hoping my actions will prove to her just how serious I am to be with her and how much I want this baby and family of
ours.

              Driving to my Mothe
r’
s holiday home where she will be staying for the next three months,my excitement rockets at the hope of her saying yes. The girl I love, wearing my name and carrying my baby being the best bloody feeling in the world.
I’
ve never wanted something so much in my life.

              I drive to my Mothe
r’
s, as if I have the hounds of hell at my feet, and throw my car in to park on her driveway, running up the steps to her front door and nearly beating the thing off of its hinges.
I’
m a bag of fucking nerves, scared Connie will say no to me, and fearful she will walk away, but I need to do this, I need to make her mine, forever.

            
 “
Hunter, what on earth is goin
g
” I cut her
off,
walking in to the hall and turning to her with a pleading expression on my face
.“
Mum, Can I please have your ring
?
” She stands in shock, eyebrows raised and mouth agape. I shift on the spot, anxiously awaiting her to give me an answer, hopeful that this time she actually gives it to me.

              Her face breaks out in to a grin, and tears fill her eyes
,“
Oh my boy, I thought yo
u’
d never ask
.
” She turns on her heels and rushes up the stairs, whilst I stand like a muppet on the rug, attempting to steady my breathing and stop the nerves.

              She rushes back down the stairs after grabbing what I asked for
,“
I love you, and I am so unbelievably happy for you. I refused to give this to you when you were marrying Ash, it was only ever to be given to the woman who stole your heart, and I can tell this girl has well and truly won it. Be happy and look after her
.
” Her hands grip mine, holding them tight as she looks in to my eyes
.“
How can you tell sh
e’
s the one
?
”

              Her eye brow raises in astonishment
,“
Why else would you be bashing my door down at night, and pacing frantically in my hall. Yo
u’
re a mess boy, but a good mess
.
” Ther
e’
s such a thing as a good mess? Sh
e’
s right though, I would never have done this for Ash, I only asked for the ring due to thinking she would be the only woman I would ever marry, god am I thankful she told me no. This ring means so much, my Granddad gave it to my Nan on only their forth date, they were so head over heels in love, and remained so all of their lives.

              The ring is dropped in to my hand, and
I
look to the ring with awe, the small circular band being completely covered the whole way round in more diamonds than I can count, sparkling in the light and drawing you r eye to its beauty.

              It really is magnificent, and must have cost some serious money back then. My granddad always said it was only to be given to the person we loved more than life itself, my Mum never had that with my Dad so it remained hidden, ready to pass to me when I found that special someone, and found her I have.

            
 “
Come over to tea this week please, I want to share this time with you
.
” A tear drops down her cheek, and I feel guilty for leaving her alone, she must get so lonely. As if she can read my thoughts, she squeezes my hand
,“
Do
n’
t, I have a good life, I just want to spend some time with my new family
.
” Her smile is infectious, and I find myself grinning right back.

            
 “
We will be here, promise
.
” Bending down to kiss her cheek, I whisper my own thanks in to her ear, thanking her for everything she has done for me over the years, and telling her how much I love her.

              She shoos me away, pushing me towards the front door
.“
Go, and do
n’
t forget to call me when she says yes
.
” She tells me on a wink.

              I do as she says, running back to the car and pocketing the ring, waving to her as I peel out of the driveway, eager to make my girl well and truly mine.

              I reach the building and make it to the lobby in record time, feeling the happiest I have ever felt in a
forever
. Jogging through the lobby, I reach the elevators and punch in the code for m
y apartment
, jumping
in place
and going on the defensive upon feeling a hand on my shoulder.

            
 “
Sir, Hunter sir, can I speak with you a moment please
?"
A groan leaves my lips as I turn to see Ryan stood behind me
.“
Ca
n’
t it wait? I have something to do
.
” I tell him, nerves kicking up at being so close to my girl and asking her this question.

              He looks at me apologetically, and my back immediately goes up
,“
No sir,
I’
m sorry it cannot. Connie asked me to check on Lotti
e’
s floor, a possible security threat. I told her to stay put and not move, had security on site made aware and went to check it out. When I
arrived back down, her car was leaving the building, and upon checking security footage it was made clear she took it herself. I'm sorry, but she pulled the wool over my eyes." My jaw grinds at what he is telling me, the fury washing over me in waves. How could she be so stupid? Why would she do this knowing the threat to her life? And the possibilty of our baby's life too.

              "Did you have somebody follow her at least?" I ask him, as I pull my phone from my pocket and call Connie's mobile. Of course, it rings to voicemail.

            Ryan's phone begins to bleep before he can respond to me, he holds his finger up in a gesture for me to wait, serving to piss me off further. Fuck, where could she be?

           I absently listen in as I begin wracking my brain with where she could have gone. It doesn't make any sense, she has the kids with her and didn't leave a message to tell me she was going anywhere.

            A lightbulb moment occurs, causing me to enter the elevator and gesture to Ryan that I won't be a sec. If she didn't have Alex and Lily with her, then they must still be in bed, and I know she wouldn't leave them alone, which means somebody is watching them and may know what the hell is going on.

             The doors open in to my apartment, my ears perk up hearing the sound of the television down the hall. Spotting Lottie sat on the sofa with her legs tucked under her, I stalk towards her, not stopping until I am mere millimetres from where she is situated. "Where is she?" I sound like a rude twat, but right now I couldn't care less.

          Lottie's face flushes with the reality that Connie has been found out. It becomes clear she is attempting to buy time and think of a story when she picks up her phone several times and begins stuttering over every word that leaves her mouth.

         I abruptly cut her off, "I don't want lies Lottie, I want to know where she is and where she is now! It's too fucking dangerous to be out there alone." The words come out in a deep growl, anger evident.

           Her eyes look everywhere and anywhere but at me; "She's not alone, she has the security detail you put on her." I can't help but stare at her in astonishment, she knows full well what Dan is capable of, and still she allowed her to just walk out the door, she jumps to the defensive upon lifting her head and taking in my expression of pure and utter disbelief, "Look, she's not a baby, she had stuff to do and so here I am helping my best friend out. She's not stupid and you have her being watched twenty four seven anyway. I don't get what the big damn deal is."

           I don't give her the chance to drop her eyes again, my voice is raised, and quite volatile, but the shock of all of this is too much for me to remain calm, "she left without telling anybody, EXCEPT YOU. Which means she is alone and nobody knows where she is, EXCEPT YOU. Now tell me where my girl is before I fucking lose it, I will not have her taking any stupid risks with her life." Lottie's face drains of colour and she worries her lip. "I didn't know, she told me she would be safe." Her words are a whisper and I'm beginning to lose my patience.

            "Where is she?" I ask again.

            "Er, oh. She went to find a chemist, I think she wanted to know if you were going to be parents and surprise you." There's more, that much is obvious, Connie wouldn't sneak out to do that. Lottie knows that too, she's dodging looking at me in every way she can. "Listen, I didn't know she was alone, but she was acting shifty. She said she wouldn't be long, can't you trace her with her phone." I didn't think of that, I can't ever think straight when it comes to my girl, she throws me for a fucking loop.

          Spinning on my heel, I dial Harry, needing him to track her down before anyone else has the opportunity to do so. "Please call me, the second you find her." I turn and nod briefly at Lottie, before entering the elevator and going about tracking Connie down.

            Twenty five minutes later we have a location. Harry is reluctant to inform me as to where she has gone, but finally cracks when I begin ranting at the bastard. His words though cause me to almost snap a tooth with the grinding pressure I have on my jaw, the girl is insufferable, has no concept of keeping herself or possibly our baby safe. "She is at Anthony Delareesa's house. The family friend."

            My mind reels at the possibilty of her doing something so downright foolish, what the fucking hell is she playing at? It's as if she wants her ex to get his hands on her.

            Calling in Harry and some of my team, I have them start making their way to Connie's location. Even if she is safe and with someone she trusts, I cannot take that risk.

             My fist connects with my car door, leaving a dent in the metalwork and a nasty throb in my hand. It's a welcome distraction though.

              I'm about ten minutes away from getting to her, when she finally answers the phone, sounding incredibly sheepish. And so she should be, I'm going out of my mind with worry. “Hello.”

              “Where the fuck are you? I come home to Lottie sat on our sofa, Ryan informing me your car was taken, and you nowhere in sight, so where are you?” The sound of her voice easing some of my concerns, but not nearly enough to calm me down, not until I am holding her.

              “I popped to the shops, I won’t be long.” Seriously, does she think I'm stupid?

              "Oh really, that’s not what your GPS is saying!” I bark back.

              “Are you kidding me?”

              “No, I’m fucking not! I told you your phone would be tracked, we can’t be taking any chances.” I attempt to calm myself, but fail miserably. After everything she has been through, and the measures I am going to keep her safe, I cannot believe she would jump to the defensive. “Stay put, I’m already on my way, you and me are having a talk as soon as I get there.” I hang up, not wanting to say something in the heat of the moment that I will regret.

             Applying slightly more pressure to the accelerator, I do my best to drop some of the anger I am feeling. It's not directed at Connie per se, as she doesn't have to explain to me where and when she is going, but it is directed at the fact that she has a psycho, unstable, fucknut of an ex after her, she could be carrying our baby and she just swans away as if she is going on a shopping spree with the girls. Until Dan is caught she needs to take more precautians and have her detail make sure she is safe.

                 The phone ringing brings me back to reality, and I sigh in exasperation ready for Connie to give me some excuse or tell me she is on her way home. She can bloody well stay put, it's not safe out there for her.

                Those few words she whispers urgently at me have me bolting up straight in my seat, and not just touching the accelerator marginally, but flooring the fucker and running every read red light on my way to where she is.