The Return of Delilah

Chapter 46

I know you don't believe it,

But I said it and I still mean it

When you hear what I told you

When you get worried, I'll be your soldier

-Soldier by Gavin DeGraw

*****

LIAM

Delilah looked completely distraught when I walked into the bedroom. The color had drained from her face and I saw her hands trembling as she stood up. She hadn't even noticed that I was looking at her. 

I walked up to her and placed a hand on her shoulder. She flinched.

Her eyes were wide with horror and she clasped her hand over her mouth before a quiet sob escaped.

"Babe, what's going on?"

"Someone was watching us," she said, taking a deep breath. 

I saw her phone on the carpet and picked up, seeing the picture and reading the message underneath it. Part of my mind chanted: Caleb, Caleb, Caleb...

But my gut, my instinct said Carissa. 

"They're going to hurt us," Delilah whimpered. 

"No, fuck no," I hushed her, pulling her to my chest. The only time I'd seen her so afraid was when Adrian's kidnapping happened. Delilah wrapped her arms around my waist, and I kissed her head, hoping to soothe her. She wasn't supposed to be stressing, she was supposed to be relaxed and enjoying her pregnancy. 

"No one is going to hurt you or Adrian," I said. She didn't say anything, so I took her face in my hands and made her look at me. Her eyes were glistening with tears... She was terrified.

"I promise you, Delilah, no one is touching you or the kids. Do you understand?"

She stared at me, and stared and stared, searching or a hint of doubt in my voice. She wouldn't find them. We had our issues to work through, but of one thing I was sure: no one would lay a hand on her. It would literally have to be over my dead body. 

Her lips parted slightly and she pressed them to mine, catching me off guard. Delilah's soft touch countered the eagerness of her kiss and the way she firmly pressed her body against mine. 

"I believe you," she whispered. 

"Good," I replied, wiping away her tears. 

She let out a shaky breath and buried her face in my neck, seeking comfort that I was more than willing to provide. 

"Let me call Brian," I murmured. As much as I despised the dude, I knew we were relying on him for help. She nodded but didn't let go even through the short call. 

It was late, already close to midnight but he agreed to come over to discuss the call as well as to check out the message. Just for that moment, I was thankful that he was around. 

After a few moments, I helped her lie down and held her until she fell asleep. I studied the photo on her phone and couldn't figure out what was off about it. I was hugging Delilah and she was smiling, her eyes shining with happiness. We were surrounded by our family members. Everyone was looking at us, except for Chris and Adrian who were playing around. 

Jo was talking to Delilah's father, both of them looking in our direction. Brian and Maria were also talking, though Delilah's mom was irritated and Brian seemed to be having a good time.