Chapter 18

Zoey

I feel like I'm in the middle of some kind of twisted power struggle and I have no idea what to do. On one side, there's Backdraft, an intense, possessive man I desperately want, claiming me as his own. And on the other, a powerful woman is requesting my help.

I look at Brie and take in her appearance. She's dressed in a sharp suit, her auburn hair loosely coiling around her shoulders. She exudes confidence and authority. But underneath all that, I catch a glimpse of the sadness that clouds her beautiful eyes as she clutches Cal's hand.

I look at Cal and see something I didn't notice before. Worry. It's hidden behind his hard exterior but it's there in the lines tugging at the edge of his eyes. I wonder what kind of life he must have lived to make him so guarded.

And then there's this guy, Kayden I think they called him, standing silently but with a dangerous aura around him. He hasn't said anything since Backdraft made his claim on me and I can feel his intense gaze on me.

My heart races as I realize the gravity of the situation. These people are not just any ordinary people, they're part of something bigger, something dangerous. My head is spinning with all this new information. It all seems so surreal. The tension in the air is palpable. Everyone seems on edge, as if they're all waiting for me to make a decision. I take a deep breath and try to calm my racing thoughts.

"I'll hear you out but I don't know how I can help. I don't know how to find my father… I mean, Dominic, even if I wanted to," I stammer out finally, breaking the tense silence in the room.

Brie squeezes Cal's hand tighter before speaking again. "Thank you."

I look over at Backdraft for a moment before turning my attention back to Brie. "What do you need me to do?"

A sense of tension fills the air as she takes a deep breath, steeling herself for what she's about to say. "We need you visible," she finally answers, her voice steady but laced with urgency. "He'll be watching you and seeing you embrace your new life will piss him off. He'll reach out to you."

Backdraft interjects, his voice dropping to a low and possessive growl. "I won't let you take her away."

Brie's eyes hold a glimmer of sympathy as she turns toward Backdraft. "We have no intention of taking her away permanently. We just need her help for a few days. I promise she's free to return here, if that's what she wants."

Backdraft's jaw visibly tightens but he remains silent.

His piercing gaze meets mine and I can see the worry and fear in his eyes. A rush of emotions floods through me. It pains me to leave him behind for even a second, but I need to do this. Not just for them, but for myself. I need to figure out who I am before I can fully commit to being his. When Backdraft's hand rests on my knee, goosebumps prickle across my body. I have every intention of returning to him.

Brie interrupts my thoughts and takes my hand. "We know this is a lot to absorb, but I promise you, we will make it worth it for you."

I try to mask the frustration in my voice, not wanting to sound ungrateful. "I don't need anything from you but answers. I still have so many questions."

Brie nods understandingly. "We'll do our best to answer what we can. One of us will be with you the entire time."

"I will be too." Backdraft interjects, his eyes narrowing on them defensively.

"That's not a good idea. Your presence might scare him off."

I look between Brie and Backdraft, unsure of what to do. Part of me wants Backdraft by my side, but I also understand Brie's point. I take a deep breath and make a decision.

"I think it would be best if you stay here, Backdraft," I say, looking at him apologetically.

Backdraft's expression hardens and he grunts loudly but he offers me a nod of understanding, even if he hates the idea. "When you get back, we're celebrating your birthday and making sure everyone knows that you're officially my Ol' Lady."

The term Ol' Lady is a little offsetting, but if it means we can be together without hiding, he can call me anything he wants. A smile beams across my face. "I'll be back as soon as I can."

Brie gives me a grateful smile and takes my hand again. "Let's get started then."

"Hold on." My eyes narrow with suspicion as Backdraft strides out of the room. He returns after a few minutes, clutching a cell phone in his hand. "I programmed my number. It's Midge's phone so ignore anyone but me and promise you'll call if you need me."

"I will. I promise."

Backdraft leans in, his lips meeting mine in a deep and passionate kiss. At that moment, everyone else in the room fades into the background. His lips are warm and urgent against mine, leaving me breathless and dizzy when he finally pulls away.