Page 56 of Beautiful Trauma

“And until then?”

“Drive like a bat out of hell.”

“Got it.”

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: KELLAN

I’d made it into the city and was looping aimlessly to try to confuse Jordy and the others when Callum finally called back.

“Go to Trinity Library. A driver will be waiting for you after you ditch the car. Then take the car–”

“You mean take a ride?”

“No. You’re to take the car by whatever means necessary.”

“Jaysus, Callum.”

He snorted. “With your history, don’t act affronted to carjacking.”

“It’s one of the few things I haven’t done.”

“Well, today’s the day to end that streak.”

“Fine. After the carjacking, where do I go?”

“Ballymum. It’s in one of the dodgy parts of town, which they’ll never think of looking for you there.”

“And where exactly would the dodgy parts be?”

He chuckled. “I’m texting you a pin for your GPS.”

“I appreciate it.”

“Once you get there, take a shitty room at a rundown hotel while we figure the rest out.”

“Got it.”

After a pause came over the line, Callum said, “Be careful, boyo.”

Even though I was thousands of miles away, I could clearly hear the emotion vibrating in his voice. “Aye, I will.”

After Callum hung up, I tapped in the GPS for Trinity Library. Thankfully, I was only about five minutes from City Center.

I’d just checked my rearview mirror to see if anyone was following us when Mila’s voice caused me to jump.

“You’re in trouble because of me again. Aren’t you?”

I jerked my gaze from the road over to her. “No. That’s not it.”

She pulled the sheet tighter around herself. “I’m nothing but trouble.”

“That’s not true, Mila.”

When an absent tear streaked down her cheek, I clenched my jaw in helplessness. “No one is to blame for what’s happened but my bastard cousin.”

At the reference to Brian, Mila shuddered. The remorse slid from her face, and she once again became impassive. My chest ached at that look. I knew it all too well. I’d seen it reflected on Maeve’s face after her rape. It was a form of self-preservation by retreating into one’s self.

I felt an overwhelming helplessness for Mila just as I had for Maeve. I would’ve done anything in the world to take her painaway. Since I knew no words were adequate, I took one hand off the steering wheel and brought it to hers. As I squeezed her hand in mine, Mila continued staring straight out the windshield.