Harper

RIVER

Harper's Pov:

"Bring him back, Max. He's going to be safe with me," I affirmed, closing the call. It was time to confront my demons instead of evading them and safeguard Henry. If my hunch about King's involvement in my kidnapping was correct, it would reopen old wounds that required healing.

"We'll protect him, Harper," Caroline reassured me, planting another kiss on my cheek. With fatigue creeping in, I opted to rest.

Faint whispers surrounded me as I drifted into a deep slumber. It was surprising how I could sleep without my medication these days.

****

Days passed since my kidnapping, and I was gradually recovering. My family started to communicate with me, and my mum even told me bedtime stories.

Currently, we were at the airport awaiting Henry's arrival. Hendrix and Hayden, my favorite brothers, accompanied me. Hardin still harbored resentment towards me, while Tyrus, Hades, Hunter, and Hansel were preoccupied with mafia affairs.

 Mum and the cook had gone to purchase supplies for Henry.

Excitement bubbled within me at the thought of bringing Henry home. However, the haunting words from the cell resurfaced in my mind, sending my heart racing. A part of me suspected King's involvement, but I pushed the thought aside.

 Yet, I couldn't shake River from my thoughts—I yearned for him, his touch, his lips on mine. Regret flooded me for not sharing romantic moments with him. But could I truly trust River?

"H-Harper, are you okay?" Hayden's voice snapped me out of my reverie. "Y-yes," I mumbled, hiding my inner turmoil. It would get better, I hoped.

"It's him!" Hendrix's excited voice interrupted as he ran towards Henry. I followed suit, and soon, we were all like three toddlers clamoring for attention.

"My baby," I cooed, showering Henry with kisses. It was my turn to hold him, but Henry insisted on prying him from my grasp. I rolled my eyes and turned to Max, who appeared exhausted.

"Are you okay?" I asked, guilt gnawing at me. "Am I okay? Are you okay? I heard you were kidnapped," he exclaimed, inspecting me for injuries.

"Enough with the touching, dude. Let's go, Harper," Hayden intervened, pulling me away as Henry grabbed his hair. I blew a kiss to Max, and he playfully caught it.

***

"Who's a cute baby? You are!"

"Shut up, Hendrix," I groaned, growing annoyed by his antics while Henry remained unamused. Sighing, I found my mind wandering.

Why did Max look tired?

The thought gave me a headache, exacerbated by Hayden and Hendrix's bickering over who got to hold Henry.

Wait—how did Max know I was kidnapped?

...

Unkown Pov: Phone call

Speaker 1: "Where is Harper?"

Speaker 2: "I-I lost her."

Speaker 1: "God damn it, do your fucking job or your sister's dead meat."

Speaker 2: "Do not lay your fucking hands on my sister."

Speaker 1: "Then get the job done... River."