The Lies Between Us (The Devil's Dust #4)(6)

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?” He looks me up and down and leans in close. “You’d like it if I pushed you over the hood of this car and f*cked you ‘til your legs gave out.” His words feather against my lips, he’s so close. I hold my breath, willing my body to pull away, but I don’t move. Just when I think he’s going to kiss me, he grabs my hand and pulls it upward. I furrow my brows and watch as he pulls a pen from his back pocket, pulling the cap off with his teeth. He writes his number and the word ‘Lip’ on my hand.

“Call me. Don’t make me come find you, Cherry.”

“Cherry?” I ask out loud.

“Your swimsuit,” he yells over his shoulder before starting his bike. I look down at my white shirt noticing my cherry bikini peeking out from the bust line. A smile creeps across my face. I know I shouldn’t like him, but I kind of do. Driving past me, he winks and I swear I sigh like a damn fool.





CHAPTER TWO


CHERRY


Sitting in the car, I watch the moon rise high in the sky. It’s still hot out, and my legs stick to the seat of the car. I can’t sleep, and all I can think about is Piper. I know it’s stupid, but I want to go get her from Eric. I hate for her to think that I’ve given up on her, that I didn’t fight harder for her. Looking at the moon, I sigh heavily.

I remember as a little girl how bad I wanted to know if my mom ever wanted me. I wonder if Piper will feel like that. The thought saddens me.

“I can’t give up. Not yet,” I mumble, sitting up in the seat of the car. Starting the engine, I pull onto the highway. I’m going to get my daughter back, damn it. I want my daughter, and I’ll get her one way or another.

I drive and drive until I make my way to the trailer park. The sun is nearly rising by the time I finally reach the shitty area. My hands begin to build a nervous sweat, and my stomach flutters with unease to the point I may puke as I get closer. I can’t believe what I’m doing. I’m stupid. I’m being reckless.

I blow out an unsteady breath and pull into the circle drive, but I still don’t turn around. I’m determined to continue my journey, even if it kills me.

“You can do this. You can do this,” I whisper to myself. I don’t even know what this is. All I know is I want my daughter back. I guess if I have to put a label on it, I’m kidnapping my daughter. Opening the car door, it creaks loudly and I wince. I slowly close it, hoping it doesn’t make as much noise, but it does. Thankfully, nobody comes out to investigate the noise.

Looking the house over, I notice only two lights on. One on the second story and another in the front of the house. My best bet would be to enter from the back. I tiptoe around the house and chills run up my back, so I rub up and down my arms trying to smooth them away. Climbing the steps, I test the door to find it’s unlocked. I shake my head; Eric is so f*cking stupid to leave his house unlocked in this neighborhood.

Slowly, I push the door open and hear a TV playing in the front room. The house is dark, and nobody seems to be moving around, so I quietly proceed into what looks like a kitchen. Crying sounds from upstairs, and my eyes prick with tears. Piper. I step to where the TV is playing and find Eric passed out in a chair, his hands down his pants. This is it, my time to take Piper. I turn quickly and make my way up the stairs to the crying. I pass pictures of little Eric and his family, and find the one bedroom that is lit up. There, in a small white crib, is Piper. She has little red curls and is bundled in a white blanket. I sob and step closer, just wanting to feel her small little body in my arms.

“I wouldn’t.” I freeze, panicking. I turn slowly, finding an older lady with silver curls and a long, off-white pajama gown. “Lindsay, right?” I don’t answer, frozen scared. “I get it. I knew you would show up. I’d expect it from any mother who cares about her child.” She shuffles past me, and I frown in confusion. Is she just going to give me Piper?

I follow her into the room as she scoops up my little girl.

“I’m Eric’s grandma, and I’m taking care of Piper. No need to worry.” She pats Piper to soothe her.

“It’s not fair,” I mutter. I should be taking care of Piper. I want to take care of her, yet Eric just passes her off to anyone who will do his dirty work. Anyone but me that is.

Eric’s grandma scoffs at my remark. “Get real, honey; nothing in life is fair.” I scowl. “I’ve raised my children, yet here I am raising yours.”

I close my eyes and shake my head, not wanting to hear that.

“You need to leave.” Her voice cuts me, the words searing through my heart. I should have known it wouldn’t have been as easy as sneaking into Eric’s house and taking Piper.

“No, I am not leaving without my daughter.” I lift my chin in confidence. The lady narrows her wrinkled eyes.

“I don’t think you understand. Eric wants you dead. That judge wants you dead. You are a dead woman as long as you are around this little girl. How much are you going to help her if you’re dead?”

“I can’t just leave her with him,” I cry, tears filling my eyes.

She looks at Piper then to me. “You’re not; you’re leaving her with me. I have another six or seven good years in me before Eric checks me into a nursing home. That’s when she’ll really need a mother, and that is when you need to come back.” She looks up at me. “When Eric thinks you’re gone, when you can put your emotions to the side and really fight for what you want in life.”