All My Broken Pieces (FindingLight #2)

Chapter 35

Arriana

“Seriously?” Andrew cries. “What the actual fuck, Arriana? Do you know how hard it was to get those murder charges dropped, and you just…” Breathing heavily, he pinches the bridge of his nose, closing his eyes in an effort to calm himself.

“If it makes it any better, I’m really sorry.” I mumble, feeling like a small child being scolded by my parents.

“Told you it was a bad idea bringing her in.” Killian gripes, crossing his arms.

I shoot him a venomous look. “That is so not fair.” I complain.

“No. No, he’s right, Ree.” Andrew sighs. My stomach drops at his words.

Shit, I really fucked up this time.

“I can’t just make this go away. Not again. And when Billie finds out…Fuck!” Andrew slaps his palm against the coffee table.

My heart thunders in my chest as I look between my two business partners and realize they’re right. I shouldn’t be doing this, I’m too reckless, too much of a loose cannon. A liability if you will.

“Well, if it makes you feel better, I was already planning on leaving once I got Fallon back.” I mumble, picking at the skin around my fingernails.

Andrew shakes his head, sighing again. “It’s not that sim…you know what, we’ll just deal with this later. We’ve got somewhere to be.”

I perk up. “Oh?”

Glancing at Killian, Andrew gestures toward me. “Mind taking her with you? I’ve got to pick up a couple things.” His voice is monotone, making the uneasiness grow inside of me.

Killian grunts his agreement, pushing to his feet and walking toward the door.

I stand up, turning to follow him, but hesitate. “I really am sorry, Andrew.” I whisper.

“I know.” He murmurs, gripping my shoulder and squeezing. “I wish that changed anything.” Without another word, he slips something into my hand and returns to his seat on the couch.

Dropping my head, I look at the cell phone in my palm, the heavy reality of what I’ve done hitting me once more. Tucking my phone away, I give Andrew a curt nod before turning to follow Killian outside.

He’s right.

Apologies don’t get you anywhere, not really.

My leg bounces as we pull up the familiar street.

Soon. So fucking soon.

Despite the nerves from our conversation, I find my excitement growing again with each second that brings me closer to my girl. I resist the urge to whip out my phone and call her, knowing the reunion will be so much sweeter face-to-face.

The car pulls to a stop and I leap from my seat, nearly toppling over the poor doorman as he opens the door for me. I jam my finger against the button for the elevator, muttering under my breath for it to hurry up. I’m painfully aware that I’m drawing unwanted attention, but can’t muster up enough fucks to do anything about it.

Killian comes to stand beside me. Pulling his phone from his pocket, he unlocks it and reads silently for a few moments before speaking. “Fallon is at our place right now.”

I nod again, unable to form words. My skin feels like it’s on fire at the prospect of getting to see her again. We climb inside the elevator, the ride feeling like an eternity as the distance closes.

The elevator finally stops and I suck in several deep breaths to calm myself as Killian unlocks the doors. I brush past him the moment they slide open, my head whipping around the space, searching for Fallon.

Finding she’s nowhere in sight, I trudge up to the kitchen, sinking into an open stool. A vaguely familiar boy sits beside me, fiddling with a nearly empty wine glass. “I know you.” I blurt out, crinkling my forehead as I try to place him.

He glances up, his pale blue eyes meeting mine are full of some emotion that makes my stomach sink. Lifting the corner of his lips in a half smile, he extends his hand toward me. “Hudson.”

I eye his extended hand, playing the name in my head on a loop.

Hudson. Hudson. I know that name…

“Aha!” I exclaim, jutting my hand into his. “You’re Fallon’s brother! Last time I saw you, well, you looked like shit.” I laugh, shaking his hand vigorously. “I’m Arriana, your sister’s…” My voice trails off because I’m not sure how to end that sentence.

Hudson’s grin widens and a little of the distress shining in his eyes lessens. “Oh fuck, you’re Arriana?”

I puff out my chest, beaming, “In the flesh. I take it you’ve heard of me.” Winking at him, I glance around the room again. “She is here, isn’t she?” My stomach flips at the thought that I somehow missed her.

She wouldn’t have left without me, right?

We were in a much better place when I left, but what if…

Ava and Hudson share a look and the pit in my stomach drops further. “What? What are you not telling me?” My fingers itch to snatch up the knife I can see lying on the counter.

I need answers and still no one is talking.

“Don’t make me ask again.” My voice has dropped all emotion, the switch flipping in me once more as my concern grows. Before I can act on the urge to force them to answer, a quiet scuffle sounds behind me.

I turn in slow motion, my heart stopping when my eyes land on the most gorgeous creature I have had the good fortune to witness. “ Mi vida .” I breathe, leaping to my feet and darting across the room.

My arms wrap around her thin frame, pulling her against my body. Inhaling, I groan at the scent of rose filling my nose. “Fuck, I missed you.” Turning my head, I trail my lips down her cheek, nuzzling her neck.

“Ar-Arriana?” Her voice is barely a whisper.

Humming, I run my nose up her throat, nipping her earlobe. “Yes, baby. It’s me.” I whisper in her ear, relishing in the shiver that runs through her body.

Her arms move, encircling me in an embrace nearly as tight as my own. “How?” She whispers back.

Pulling away just far enough to rest my forehead on hers, I murmur, “I told you I was coming back, baby. I’ll always come back for you.” A quiet, hiccupped sob escapes her at my words.

I crush my lips to hers, needing to swallow her pain, to take it for her. Her fingernails dig into my back. Moaning into my mouth, she presses her body against mine, as if she’s trying to crawl inside of me. And I can understand, because the desire to never part from her isn’t just a desire, it’s a tangible need. I can’t bear to be apart again.

Breaking the kiss, I pepper several across her face, smiling against her skin at the giggles she lets out. “I missed you.” I lean back, cupping her face in my hand.

Blinking her eyes, she shifts her gaze to meet mine and the sinking feeling swallows me whole.