Page 138 of Forged
“Good. Now let’s go take care of our girl.”
Neomi sitsbetween us in the back of the SUV, her head resting lightly against Lars’ shoulder, her fingers still loosely threaded through mine. Other than the minor bruises and the damage to her ear, the doctors said she was fine. I tighten my grip on her small hand as outside, the city drifts past in streaks of gold and shadow.
Lars hasn’t let go of her since we left the hospital. His hand stays anchored on her skin, his thumb tracing slow, absent circles like he needs the constant confirmation that she’s still here. Every so often, his gaze flicks toward the windows, and I can see his brain working. Plotting revenge, if I had to guess.
Neomi moves between us, her fingers tightening around mine before she lifts her head just enough to glance between us. There’s a quiet awareness in her expression, something observant beneath the exhaustion.
“You’re both very intense right now,” she murmurs, her voice softer than usual.
Lars’s hand slides up to cradle the back of her neck, guidingher closer. “I think we’re allowed to be a little intense right now, Bella. We’re just so thankful that you’re okay.”
She studies him for a second longer, reading the tension he isn’t bothering to hide. “You’re already planning something,” she says quietly.
“You’re right, I’m going to figure out who did this,” he replies.
I glance at him, catching the change fully now. The panic that had him unraveling in the hospital hallway hasn’t disappeared—it’s hardened, redirected into something far more dangerous.
Neomi’s gaze softens, her hand sliding up his chest as she leans in, pressing a slow kiss just beneath his jaw. The contact steadies him.
“I’m still here,” she says, her voice low. “Right next to you.”
His eyes close, like he’s anchoring himself to that.
“I know,” he says.
But his grip on her doesn’t loosen. Neither does mine.
The estate gatesopen before we reach them.
Security has multiplied compared to the last time I was here. Vehicles line the drive, men stationed at every visible angle, every approach locked down. The energy surrounding the property tells me that this isn’t precaution anymore.
This is preparation for revenge.
The SUV slows as we pull to the front, and the moment the door opens, Enzo is already there.
His attention goes straight to Neomi, his gaze sweeping over her with concern, taking in her appearance before he steps forward. Zara stands behind him, her posture tight, while Violette remains composed but watchful at her side.
Neomi straightens slightly as we step out, though her hand doesn’t leave mine, and Lars stays close, his arm firm at her back as we guide her up the steps.
Violette reaches her first, her hands lifting to cup Neomi’s face with gentleness, her eyes assessing.
“Neomi, my dear. I’m so glad you’re okay,” she says quietly, her voice softer than I’ve ever heard it.
Neomi exhales a breath, something between a laugh and lingering shock. “Me too, Vi.”
Zara steps forward next, pulling her into a careful embrace, one hand braced protectively at her back. “You should never have been within reach of something like that,” she says, her tone low.
Enzo’s attention lands on Lars, something unspoken passing between them. It’s a moment filled with acknowledgment, escalation, understanding.
“We’ll handle it,” Enzo says.
Lars nods in agreement.
We don’t stay downstairs long.
The estate is alive with movement, voices carrying low and purposeful through the halls, security repositioning, orders already being executed. It’s not the place for Neomi right now, not with everything simmering beneath the surface.
Lars leads us upstairs, as we move through his private wing and into the suite. The space is already prepared, the lighting softened, and the bed turned down.
