TIFFIN 3

48

It didn't take Ezekiel long to make it to the house, though when he spotted Niall and Jo, he nearly faltered in his steps.

"What is this?" He demanded gruffly. "Over text, you specified that we were to discuss-"

I clasped my hands together nervously.

"That is correct, but we're going to be discussing everything in front of my friends."

I gestured to Josephine and Niall, who stood idly by waiting for a reply. It took Ezekiel a few moments to catch onto what I was saying, but when he did, he was beside himself.

"You told them? No one can know about this!"

I closed my eyes, attempting to lower my heart rate.

"Yes, I understand, but I couldn't keep this from them. They're my best friends in the entire world and haven't left my side even though I deserved it-"

I trailed off, tears gathering in my eyes. I must not cry. I must not cry.

Jo immediately ran forward, enveloping me in her tight grasp.

"Excuse me, Mr...?"

Ezekiel rolled his eyes, folding his muscled arms across his chest.

"You can call me E. Or Ezekiel."

"Fine," She snapped, pulling me tighter into her embrace, "Ezekiel. Kristina means the world to me. If you're worried that I'll open my mouth about your rescue plan, I won't... unless it will hurt someone I love. She's about to be a new mother and I'll be damned-!"

What the-? Didn't she just say that I had a habit of oversharing?

"Hold on," Ezekiel said, eyes widening, "You mean to tell me that you're pregnant?"

I shrugged.

"I only found out today."

Like a switch being flipped, E's entire demeanor changed. His dark eyes softened as they slowly traveled over my still flat abdomen.

"This won't do, Kristina. You can no longer be a part of this. I will not make a pregnant woman bear witness to a swat sting."

I was about to argue with him on how unimportant my pregnancy was at the moment until I realized what he'd said.

"You're sending out a swat sting already? I thought we needed to explore the warehouse?"

Ezekiel looked like he may begin to sob.

"So did I. Thanks to our dear Kylie, she may have unearthed enough evidence with the brothels that warrants a sting without notice."

"Excuse me," Josephine demanded, "We're still here. Are you saying you already know where Kylie is?"

Niall moved towards his wife, pulling her close. Perhaps he was holding tight to the hope that they'd made a breakthrough as well.

Ezekiel cleared his throat.

"It's more of a hunch. Though I'm hoping after the sting is through, I'll have her in my arms again."

This comment strummed Jo's heartstrings. A hiccup ripped through her body as she surveyed Ezekiel.

"You really do love her," She whispered. "I'm all in."

Niall grabbed onto her arm, swiveling her to face him.

"Wait just a minute, darling. I should have a say in this too. Your safety is my number one priority."

Jo leveled a glare at him.

"You will allow me to do this, Niall Horan. I know me and Kylie were never close, but I still care about her."

Ezekiel raised a hand.

"Excuse me, but I think your man may have a point. I'm not a fan of including women, but if he's willing to come along, I'd feel more comfortable."

At this, Niall turned to look at E with a more grateful expression.

"You know what, man? I like you. I trust you on this."

I growled, feeling like an angry lioness ready to pounce.

"Ezekiel, you and I have spent weeks now planning this. I won't let you beefy men overtake us, women. I don't care if we sit on the sidelines, surveying cameras or some shit, but you won't take this from us."

After a minute of silence, Ezekiel nodded, turning to Niall.

"Sorry, man. It doesn't look like this is a fight we'll win."

Niall grumbled, kissing the top of Jo's head.

"Fine, but you women will stay close. The last thing we need is another casualty."

"Alright." E grinned, clicking his heels. "What do you say we make a plan to meet with the swat captain?"

Thank you all for the votes and reads ❤❤

Whose excited to get Kylie back???