Free Drowning to Breathe by A. L. Jackson Page B

what went down in the first place?
    Anthony gave a quick nod. “The second you mentioned his name when you called me, I had no doubt the asshole had ulterior motives.”
    He always did.
    But I knew it went deeper than that. This muddled maze was more than just about me . He’d hurt her, and clearly he was aiming to hurt her again. But why? To get back at me? That’s what made no fucking sense.
    “Shea’s terrified for Kallie.” The words cracked on my own fear. Because the truth was? I was, too. “We can’t just leave her with him.”
    Sympathy filled his eyes. “I get that, Baz. You know I’d throw myself on a bomb for my own kids. No, I don’t know Shea, but I can only imagine the hell she’s going through right now. But the one plus in this whole thing is I don’t think Jennings is witless enough to hurt a little girl who’s recently been placed in his care. He’s always meticulous. Covering his ass and letting everyone else take the fall.”
    I pressed my hands to the counter and blew out a breath. “Yeah…thought as much myself. He’s devious, but not a fool.”
    His tone grew cautious. “You have to ask yourself how far you’re willing to get involved in this. Every time we turn around, this mess gets deeper and deeper.”
    I gave one fierce shake of my head, cutting that shit off. I knew he meant well, that his intentions were always good. Anthony taking up our backs to protect the guys and me.
    But this was one truth he needed to understand. “I’d give up anything for them. All of it. Every last cent to my name. My freedom. My life if that’s what it takes.”
    Silence hung heavy in the air as he stared across at me. Searching for sincerity. Then a satisfied smile pulled at his mouth. “So she’s it, then.”
    That affirmation struck home.
    Taking hold.
    Filling me full.
    My voice was rough. “Yeah. She’s it.”
    He nodded like the game had changed. “All right, then. You’re going to need to make a statement. The paps are going to be hounding you as it is. Better to clear this up now and let them know exactly where you stand.”
    “I stand by Shea.”
    A smirk ticked up at one side of his mouth. “I think you’ve made that abundantly clear, my friend.”
    I started to laugh, when all the air got sucked from the room. Heavy and soft and blinding light.
    My spine stiffened in awareness as the girl stole a little more of my breath.
    Filled me right up with hers.
    Slowly, I turned to look over my shoulder.
    Standing near the wall, Shea peered over at us.
    Eyes brimming with fear and hope and love.
    So fucking gorgeous that this girl once again threatened to drop me straight to my knees.
    I tipped my head to the side and beckoned her forward. “Come here, baby.”
    Warily, she glanced at Anthony, and I wondered just how much she’d picked up of our conversation, before she shuffled forward and nestled into the safety of my side. I curled my arm low around her back and pulled her as close as I could get her.
    Anthony’s attention jumped between us.
    “Anthony, this is my girl, Shea Bentley.”
    I leaned down and kissed her temple, whispering at the sweetness of her skin, “Baby, this is Anthony Di Pietro. My agent and friend. He’s going to help us get Kallie back.”
    An expression of understanding crossed his face. Lacking judgment. Like he saw all the torment swimming in Shea’s eyes.
    He moved around the island and extended his hand as he neared. “Shea Bentley. If it isn’t an honor to meet the woman who finally took this one down.”
    He cast me a sly glance then smiled softly at her.
    Redness warmed Shea’s cheeks, Anthony easily putting her at ease when he wrapped up her hand in his.
    “It’s great to meet you, Anthony,” Shea said, all genuine and real, real, real, returning his handshake. “Thank you for everything you’ve done to help us. You can’t imagine what it means to me.”
    Everything about him turned warm, like maybe in the course of their brief