Surrendered(24)

The thought of coffee is too much to pass up. Jesus, I literally live off coffee and vodka. I need help. “Yeah, coffee is good.” I say in a small voice that I don’t even recognise as my own. What the fuck is happening to me. I’m bloody falling apart. I try so hard to be this strong independent person, and yet I am quite literally shattering. I feel like the cracks are creeping over the surface, just waiting to implode at any given moment. I need to man the fuck up. This isn’t helping Harry, and me whining isn’t solving the problem. I’m so wrapped up in the idea of losing him, I’m not focusing on what I have to do to ensure that I don’t lose him. I’ve been acting as thought the fight is already lost.

I spot the Detective Brown on the way out of the police station. She meets my eyes and nods her head slightly. Theo senses my tension and loops an arm around my shoulders. That woman is a fucking bitch. “Careful.” He says in a low voice. I keep walking, because me saying something only makes Harry and I look guilty. I still don’t know how the fuck you can charge someone with kidnapping their sister who willingly left with them. It’s all bullshit.

Theo doesn’t release me until we are at the car. He holds the door open for me, a small smile on his face as he watches me get in. He slides in the drivers set next to me and shakes his head. “You are so fucking explosive.” He chuckles.

“Didn’t anyone ever tell you not to piss off a redhead?” I say curtly. “That bitch is fucking lucky she was in the middle of a police station.”

He laughs and starts the engine. He takes my hand and places a kiss on the back of it. “That’s why I love you babe. You’re a little bit crazy.”



Theo takes me for coffee at this little coffee shop on the edge of Hyde Park. I’ve never been before, but the coffee is awesome. We stroll hand in hand through the park with our paper cups in hand. I love London, but it can feel claustrophobic with all the buildings seeming to be on top of one another. I like the parks, they’re like a little oasis within the concrete jungle of buildings. It feels like a little break from the city.

“I think I might go into work this afternoon.” I say.

“But the hearing is this afternoon.” Theo replies.

“I know, but I need to do something. I’m driving myself insane with possibilities.” I sigh. “I just can’t…I can’t think about it.”

He stops and turns toward me. He cups my cheek in his warm palm. My eyes meet his, so clear, like a bottomless pool of water. “I promised you I would get him out. I don’t break my promises, sugar.”

“I know, it’s just…I need to keep busy.” I offer him a small smile and reach up on tip toes to place a soft kiss against his perfect lips. He moves his hand to the back of my neck and holds me there a little longer.

He eventually pulls back and watches me carefully for a few seconds. “Okay, I’ll take you in.”

I just need a little time to myself, not because I don’t want him around. Honestly, he’s been such a rock these last few days…I just need to work through my own mind a bit. “Theo, I can handle it okay? You go do…” I wave my hand around. “…whatever it is you do.”

“Important man stuff.” He says with a straight face. In true Theo fashion, he takes no offense, he doesn’t push me, he just makes light of it.

I snort. “Yep, that. I will go to work for a while. Claudia will call you, and we’ll go from there.”

He nods. “Okay.” He shrugs. “Do you want to go now?”

“Soon, I just want to stay here for a little longer.” I just want a few minutes of peace before the carnage that is my life ensues again.

I lean my head on his shoulder and pull just a little of his strength.



When I get to the office I have a mountain of paperwork. My inbox is full, with over a hundred emails that need to be answered. I have cases that need to be actioned and clients I need to contact. I won’t lie, it’s a bloody nightmare, but it does keep my mind busy. I barely even hear my phone ring, I’m so engrossed in the contract I’m typing up.

“Florell and Simmons. Lilly Parker speaking.” I say curtly.

“Lilly, he’s out.” Theo’s deep voice comes over the phone. It takes me a dim witted moment to catch up.

“Oh my god. When?”

“Apparently you can collect him from the police station in an hour.” He says. I’m practically squealing with delight. I’m going to see Harry.

“Okay. Thanks for letting me know.”

“I’ll leave you and Harry to it. Just call me when you want me.” He says. I love that he wants to give me some time with my brother.