Page 145 of A Convenient Secret

I hate this.

We keep walking, heads down, bodies close together, following the bodyguard in front of us, clearing the way.

We’re almost at the carpet that lines the entrance to my building when someone pushes forward.

I don’t see who. I don’t see what happens.

I more feel than see Lily stumbling and losing her balance. She tumbles to the ground, Zoya’s small body trapped under her.

Someone jostles against me, and Zach’s hand rips from mine. I crouch to help Lily and Zoya out. The shouts quieten down as people around us realize what has happened.

“Are you okay?” I scoop Zoya up, and the bodyguard reaches for her. “Take her inside,” I order. “We’ll be right there, honey.”

My daughter nods, her eyes wide, but I block that out. Lily is standing up already.

“Dad,” the scream reverberates through the chaos as the footsteps of those fleeing the scene echo around me.

“Zach,” Lily shouts, and as I turn, she already drops to the ground beside my wailing son.

I’m on my knees a second later, grabbing his small frame, my hands skimming over his body. Panic. Adrenaline. Rage.

His face is scrunched in pain, his left wrist swelling.

He’s hurt.

I turn to the few paparazzi who stayed behind, my voice a roar of fury. “Back the fuck up!”

The security from the building rushes out, the photographers stepping backward.

Lily cradles Zach, murmuring soft reassurances while tears streak down his cheeks, his tiny body trembling.

Is he going into shock?

I don’t think. I scoop him into my arms, holding him close. “I’ve got you, buddy. I’ve got you.”

Lily scrambles to her feet, and I try to usher her in front of me, more with my body language than anything else.

Someone dares to snap a picture, a few flashes blurring my vision. We reach the entrance and finally enter the lobby.

The eerie silence is interrupted only by the sobs of my children.

I check if I have my family with me. Zoya stands frozen beside the bodyguard, her face pale. Lily nods that she’s okay, but I see her limping to hug my daughter.

“Dad,” Zach whimpers.

“We need to get to the hospital.” I turn to the bodyguard and pass him my son. “Get them to the car. I’m right behind you.”

“Declan.” Lily’s voice almost penetrates the rage in my head with a beacon of reason. Almost.

“Daddy,” Zoya whines.

“Dad,” Zach whimpers.

“I’m coming.” But instead, I turn to open the dooragain, and the shutters click. Fucking assholes. “If any of you so much as breathe near my family again, I will destroy you.”

My hand itches to throw a few punches so they have something to report, but I have my family to focus on.

Chapter 29