Page 64 of This Reckless Home

“HURTS LIKE HELL” BY TOMMEE PROFITT, FLEURIE

BLOSSOM

The days after Noah leaves I feel listless, lifeless, just going through the motions. It’s like a part of me is missing, and I know the guys feel it. Can see their concern as they trade worried looks at me. They take it in turns to sleep in my room with me, and although I love it, it still doesn’t help fill this void that is inside me.

The guys and I are in the sitting room three days after Noah left when my phone starts ringing. It’s his number, and I fumble as I rush to answer it. As soon as I do, the sound of sobbing fills my ears and my chest constricts.

“Noah? Sweetheart, are you okay?” Steele stiffens beside me, and Nox and Ant straighten from their places on the other couch and armchair.

“M-Miss. Blossom? Please—I need—can you c-come get me?”

My body goes on high alert, and my voice is deadly calm. “Noah, are you hurt?”

One of the guys hisses a curse but I don’t look at them, just focus on the cries from the other end of the line.

“He—my dad—” more sobbing as he trails off and my pulse races around my body, my mind already making plans. “Please. I just want to come home.” Sob. “I want to come home.”

“Okay darling. Where are you right now? Are you safe?” I stand, my insides trembling as I feel steadier than I have the past three days.

“I’m in my room, the door is locked. But I don’t know how long⁠—”

“Lock your window too, darling. Don’t open it for anyone but me or one of the guys. We’re coming to get you.” Another sob. “Noah, do you understand me? We’re coming so you just need to be brave for a little while longer.”

“B-but you can’t—the judge said⁠—”

“I don’t care what the judge said, Noah. You are my son. I’m coming for you.” My voice is steel brokering no other argument. “I need to go now, sweetheart. But I will be there soon.”

“O-okay, Miss. Blossom.” He hangs up before I can, and I let out a shaky exhale. Then take in another deep breath.

“I thought there was nothing we could do?” Nox asks, him and the others having got up from their seats while I was on the phone.

“There is nothing legal we can do,” I tell him, watching as understanding dawns on his face, his eyebrows raising.

“But there is something we can do?” Ant asks, and I switch my focus to him.

“Yes. It’s very illegal.”

“How illegal are we talking?” Nox questions, and I know that I shouldn’t involve them, that I have no right to ask for their help. But I’m not sure this time I can face this alone. Not now that I know what it’s like to have them by my side.

I meet Nox’s beautiful green eyes. “Buying a child is illegal. Possibly kidnapping, depending on how you look at it. Definitely bribery. Most likely blackmail and threatening behaviour.”

There’s a single beat of silence as they absorb my words.

“Let’s go get him,” Steele commands, simple and certain and my shoulders sag in relief.

“Follow me, we need to get a few things first,” I tell them, heading out of the sitting room and down the hall to the study that I don’t often use. I feel them follow as I open the top drawer in my desk and pull out one small size pair of black leather gloves and then three large size pairs. “Put these on. Don’t take them off until we’re back in the car after getting him. Don’t touch anything in Noah’s parent’s house.”

Nox whistles as I hand him his gloves. “How long have you been planning this, Petal?” There’s a slight furrow to his bronze brow, but also admiration makes his green eyes sparkle.

“Since the judge made his ruling,” I answer, giving Ant and then Steele their gloves. I blow out a breath. “I hoped I wouldn’t need to, but…”

“It’s better to be prepared,” Steele says, and I nod, pulling my own fitted leather gloves on.

“Yes. And I was hoping you’d help me. Though I’d understand if you didn’t⁠—”

“We will always help you, Bloom. Doesn’t matter if it’s pulling up a dead tree or kidnapping a child from piece of shit parents. We’ve got your back.” Ant is so resolute, unwavering.

My eyes sting, and I realise for the first time, I think, that I’m truly no longer alone. Not anymore.