Page 61 of Beautiful Scars: Unshakeable

"How long?" I ask.

"Six months officially." A small smile tugs at his lips. "She's... something else."

"That she is." I feel tears welling up. "God, I miss her."

"She misses you too. Been driving her family, and me, crazy worrying about you." He hesitates. "Would you be okay with her coming here? I know it's already complicated and crowded here with..."

"Yes," I don't even let him finish the thought. "Please. I could use my best friend right now."

The relief on his face is obvious. "I'll make the arrangements. I'll put together a team and leave this afternoon. We should be back in a couple days."

I launch myself at him, wrapping him in a tight hug. "Thank you for taking care of her."

His arms come around me carefully. "I always will, Sunny."

When I pull back, I see Zane and Levi watching from the doorway, their expressions soft. They understand better than anyone the importance of having people you trust, people who make you feel safe.

"Jade's coming to stay," I tell them, and for the first time today I feel something other than dread. Despite everything happening, despite Garrett's shadow looming over us all, knowing I'll have my best friend back gives me hope.

Zane smiles. "I don't know if we're ready for that."

"You sound nervous." I tease.

"I mean she's a little scary," he admits with a laugh.

Levi wraps an arm around my waist. "We'll make sure she's safe here."

I lean into him and take Zane's hand in mine. Jade will fit right in with this makeshift family we've built.

Looking back at Colt I see the same fierce protectiveness in his eyes that I recognize in Zane and Levi. "Tell her..." I swallow past the lump in my throat. "Tell her I love her and that I can't wait to see her."

He nods, pulling out his phone. "I'll let her know right now."

As we leave the office, I can't help but smile despite the heavy weight of the morning's meeting. Garrett may be trying to isolate me again, to cut me off from everyone I care about but he doesn't understand — every person he threatens just brings us closer together, makes us stronger.

And when we finally find him, he'll learn exactly what happens when you threaten the people I love.

Twodayslater,I’mstanding in the living room when front door bursts open with hurricane force. Suddenly, my arms are full of Jade as she practically tackles me to the ground.

"Angel! My beautiful girl!" She squeezes me tight, then pulls back to examine my face. "God, I missed you so much."

"I missed you too." Tears spring to my eyes as I touch her nose gently. It's hers, but not the one I remember. "It looks amazing. I'm so sorry about what happened. That night at the club..."

She waves off my concern. "Please, that was nothing compared to what you..." Her voice trails off, eyes darkening briefly before she forces a bright smile. "Besides, gave me an excuse to finally fix that bump I always hated."

"Still. I should have been there for you these past couple months."

"We're together now. Right?" She grabs my face between her hands. "And holy shit girl, look at you with these two gorgeous specimens hovering over you. I'd say you're doing just fine."

I feel my cheeks heat as Zane approaches. "Welcome back, trouble."

"Z!" Jade launches herself at him next. "I missed your grumpy face."

He returns her hug with a rare genuine smile.

"And hello again, Levi." Jade turns her analytical gaze on him. "Hmm. I’d almost forgotten what a snack you are, big guy." She winks at me. "Yum, babe."

Levi stands frozen, face red, eyes glued to the floor, clearly unprepared for Hurricane Jade. "I... thank you?"