Page 71 of Petals of Blue: Part One

The theater comes into view, and relief whooshes through me because now I can get out and scream without worrying about crashing the car. Simultaneously though, I feel trapped in the fact that there are four men waiting for us to go see a movie and there's no way Violet isn't going to rush in there to avoid a hard conversation.

Shit on sticks.

"I—I don't know what to do, Ma. I'm scared."

My throat closes over, and my eyes immediately burn. The sun has set, so the streetlights and outdoor signs blur and expand in my vision. "V..." I would like to ask her why she didn't tell me sooner, but that's not the right approach.

So what is the right approach?

I wish on everything I could ask myselfwhat would my mom do,but I had nowhere near enough time with my mom to truly know her parenting style. The only thing I can think of is removing Violet from the situation.

Gulping, I turn into the parking lot. I keep driving until we're at the front of the theater and I can see all four of my men chatting just inside the doors.

"Blue?" Violet sounds worried.

With a deep breath, I unlock the doors and hold my hand out. "Unlock your phone and open the app, please. Then I want you to get out and walk right to Roman. Ask for a hug and have Declan order me an Icee. Tell Felix I'll be inside in afew minutes and need a girl moment. Give Jared a pointed look so he knows to stall Felix for me."

She looks at me with wide eyes even as her fingers unlock her phone with the precision of an eighteen-year-old. "And what are you going to do?"

I tuck her blonde hair behind her ear and smile as bright as I can all the while I'm trying to tamp down the violence attempting to pour from my veins. "I'm going to park, read the messages so I know what we're dealing with, then I'm going to figure out what we should do."

"We?"

At that, I really do smile. "We are always awe, Violet. Now go. Make sure the popcorn has butter and salt in the middle too."

She laughs and unbuckles her seatbelt. When Violet reaches for the handle, she pauses and looks back at me. "Thank you. I love you."

"Love you, baby girl," I whisper and grab the phone from her.

I watch her walk inside and right into Roman's embrace. He'll know how to manage her worries right now while I come up with a game plan. Declan will need a distraction, and sugar is best. Felix will worry, but Jared has always been able to talk everyone off the ledge.

I just need a few minutes.

Parked, I eye the bright screen of Violet's phone and take a heavy breath. No wonder she's been so down lately. I don't even know what this person's been saying, yet I'm shaking and anxious beyond belief.

Gathering courage, I open the first unknown thread. Bile rises. Then the next and the next until I'm so angry I barely remember to pull the key out of my ignition before exiting the goddamn car.

Who does this asshole think he is, demanding Violet'slocation over and over again?! The threats following each one become more and more gruesome with each new profile.

How dareanyonecome after V this way?! Her mother may be a deadbeat, but this dick is acting like she doesn't have an army surrounding her.

I worked my ass off creating a group of loyalty, strength, and so much love the world would burn if ever wielded with aggression forher. My cousin. My kid. My fuckingdaughter.

Iraised her. Blue Bennet. Nobody willevertouch a hair on her head. I don't care if it'smethat takes the fall for whatever hell I'm going to rain down on this bastard, as long as she's safe.

While the heat nipping at my heels is filled with rage, my heart warms when I catch sight of Jared and Felix laughing with Violet who stays close to Roman. Declan's struggling with so many snacks I can't help but grin.

Crack!

My jaw explodes with so much pain and shock that my knees buckle. The only sound that comes from me is a wet squelch. Blood flies from my busted lips as I crash to the sidewalk.

Boom!

My eyebrow takes the brunt of my fall and yanks reality from right under me. Darkness swallows me, and yet...I'm not afraid.I'm proud.

I'm proud because I made her get out of the car. I'm proud I trusted my soul which told me Violet would be safe with Roman, protected by Felix, seen by Jared, and lightened by Declan.

My future looks dark now, but it's okay. It's okay because this found family I've created over the years and the apartment I worked so hard to pay off will take care of her. My reason for living. Not only surviving. Ilivedfor Violet, and I did it right.

I'm leaving so much love and stability in my wake. That has been my only goal.

I'll go feeling proud and accomplished because my daughter will be safe and loved.

I'll go, and everything will be okay.

I'll go.