Page 31 of Silver Sinner

Then, finally, a knock comes at the door.

I push past Moses, trip past the officer, and launch myself at the door with tears in my eyes and my breath trapped in a bubble in my chest.

It's Pierce.

He stands outside my door with Maddie tucked in his arms, her owlish eyes blinking sleepily as she gazes around from the safety of his hold.

"Maddie!" Surging forward, I wrap my arms around my daughter and draw her tightly into my embrace, barely able to keep on my feet. A warm, strong arm slips around my waist and supports me as I bury my face in Maddie's hair. "Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God you're okay! You're okay! Is she okay?!" I lift my head and gaze up at Pierce who nods softly.

"She's perfectly okay."

"Oh God, Maddie! I'm so sorry! I'm so, so sorry!" I bury her in kisses, covering her entire sleeping face while stroking her hair and holding her so tightly that she squeaks tiredly in surprise.

"Mommy?"

"Oh Maddie!" The tears flow thick and fast while the warmth from her slowly chips away at the tension in my chest. Pierce uses his hold around my waist to guide me further into the apartment, and I briefly spot the officer in the doorway to my living room.

“Ms. Cross, is everything—oh. Mr. Murphy?"

Ignoring them all, I carry Maddie through to her bedroom as she yawns widely. "Mommy, why are you crying?"

"Because I'm so happy you're back with me! I'm so happy! I'm so sorry I left you. I'll never do that ever again, Maddie. I promise. I'm so sorry!"

"It's okay, Mommy." As I place her down on her bed, she gazes up at me with an adoring smile. "Pierce told me I won hide and seek!" She claps her hands together and yawns so wide I can see down her throat.

"Is that what he told you?" I whisper, stroking the back of her head while kissing her forehead. "You're my amazing little hide and seeker, aren't you? God…" I draw her back into my arms and hug her tightly. "I'm sorry, Maddie. I'm sorry."

I'll never stop being sorry. I grew complacent. Thinking she would be okay in the car was beyond stupid, and I'll never forgive myself for not ensuring I had everything with me before leaving the diner. As unharmed as Maddie is, I can't ever let this happen again.

God knows what could have happened without Pierce.

Maddie falls asleep in my arms very quickly after I help her into her pajamas. I stay with her, constantly kissing her head and letting my tears soak into her hair. All my life, I've been alone. Everything that's cascaded my way, I've fought through it, including having and raising Maddie all by myself.

And yet tonight, for the first time in memory, I was completely useless. I can't bear thinking what kind of outcome I'd be dealing with if I hadn't somehow run into Pierce.

Eventually, I'm forced to leave Maddie's side as the call of the bathroom grows unavoidable. Slipping away from her leaves an ache in my heart, but she doesn't even notice. She rolls over onto her pillow and continues to sleep soundly. It's not until I've relieved myself and washed my hands that I realize how quiet my apartment is. I completely forgot about everyone else, so completely caught up in making sure Maddie was okay.

"Hello?" I say softly, peeking into the kitchen.

Empty.

Just as I move toward the lounge, a shadow fills the doorway and Pierce steps into the light. "Layla."

"Oh!" My heart jumps up into my throat and I swallow a surprised laugh. "I'm sorry, I didn't know anyone was still here."

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to scare you."

"It's okay. My nerves are…" I puff out my cheeks and peer past him to the empty lounge. "Is everyone else gone?"

"Yes. The officer left and Moses stepped out."

"That's good…" I shake my head and step back into the kitchen. "I… thank you, Pierce. I can't imagine how you even found her. I was going out of my mind with worry." Unable to look him in the eye, I step away and head to the fridge. A lone box of wine rests against the inside door so I take it. "You must think I'm a terrible mother."

"I think no such thing," Pierce replies gently.

The warmth in his words brings a rush of heat to the back of my eyes and I swallow hard. "I wouldn't blame you. I do." Moving from the fridge, I grab two drinking glasses from the cupboard. "What kind of mother leaves her kid in the car, right? Especially at night. Especially one that can't even remember something as everyday as a damn purse."

"Layla." Pierce's warmth suddenly closes in around me like the caress of a shadow on a warm summer's day. "I don't think those things, and neither should you."