apter 28: What’s Left After the Storm-1
She let out a soft, fractured cry as Jamie rushed to her.
+25 Points
James stepped aside just in time as the boy reached her bedside. His arms wrapped around her waist, trembling with the weight of days spent in fear. He held on like he might lose her
again.
And Maya clung to him like she’d never let go.
Her baby brother.
Her reason for everything.
Maya’s breath hitched as she buried her face in his shoulder. Jamie smelled like home-like worn cotton, detergent, and city air. The warmth of his arms grounded her more than the heart monitor, the sterile white walls, or the IV drip in her vein.
She squeezed tighter. Tighter.
Just to feel that he was real.
“Jamie,” she whispered, voice breaking. “Jamie…”
Ms. Janice entered more slowly, her hand pressed over her mouth, tears spilling freely. The moment her eyes landed on Maya-tired, bruised, but awake-her knees nearly buckled.
“Oh, Maya,” she breathed. “Thank God.”
Maya couldn’t speak. Her throat burned. The back of her skull throbbed. But Ms. Janice came closer, brushing hair gently from her forehead the way only a mother figure could.
And for one precious moment, the room stilled.
No one moved. No one spoke.
It was the first breath of calm after a hurricane-fragile, trembling, full of things unsaid.
Slowly, Maya pulled back just enough to look at Jamie. Her hands shook as they settled on his shoulders.
“Are you okay?” she whispered, hoarse.
Jamie nodded quickly, though his eyes were rimmed red. “I’m fine. Just.. scared. Mr. Horton and Monroe came to the apartment when you didn’t show up for work. Then Ms. Janice arrived and told them she saw you leave with Beckett. That’s when we knew…”
1/3
He swallowed. “They went after you. They found you. You’re safe now.” Safe. The word echoed in her chest, trying to root itself-but the fear hadn’t let go yet. +25 Points She looked at Ms. Janice, who nodded tearfully. “You scared us half to death, sweetheart. Jamie stayed up all night. He didn’t eat. Couldn’t sleep.” Maya’s chest twisted. Her brother’s face-too pale, too tired-looked older than fifteen. “I’m so sorry,” she choked out, gripping his hand. “Jamie, I’m so sorry.” But he shook his head quickly, fiercely. “No. You don’t get to say sorry. You didn’t do anything wrong. He took you. I.. I couldn’t do anything.” The helplessness in his voice shattered her. “No,” Maya said, voice trembling. “Don’t say that.” Tears stung her eyes. “I should’ve known better. I should’ve been more careful. I shouldn’t have agreed to go with him. I.. I thought he was just saying goodbye…” Her throat tightened. “It’s my fault.” Jamie’s jaw clenched. His hands curled into fists. “No. It’s his,” he said bitterly. “He tricked you. He used you. You were just being kind. And he- he-” His voice cracked. “If Mr. Blackwood’s people hadn’t gotten to him first, I swear I would’ve…” He trailed off, fists shaking. Rage and grief warred in his expression. Ms. Janice rubbed his back gently. “You have every right to feel that way, sweetheart. But what matters now is, she’s home and she’s safe.” But Maya didn’t feel safe. Not yet. The cabin lingered in her mind like smoke. Beckett’s voice. The locked door. The way he smiled when she begged. 2/3 +25 Points She ran a hand over the back of her head, wincing at the tenderness. The pain made it real. It hadn’t been a nightmare. She was out. She was safe. But the storm hadn’t passed. Her tears returned-slow, quiet, relentless. And when she lifted her gaze again, it landed on James. He stood silently across the room, still as stone-but there was something in his eyes that steadied her. Not pity. Not sadness. Assurance. She couldn’t explain it. But she felt it-like a weight being carried for her without words. Comments ~ Vote Cedella Cedella is a passionate storyteller known for her bold romantic and spicy novels that keep readers hooked from the very first chapter. With a flair for crafting emotionally intense plots and unforgettable characters, she blends love, desire, and drama into every story she writes. Cedella’s storytelling style is immersive and addictive—perfect for fans of heated romances and heart-pounding twists.