Page 62 of Nanny for the Firefighters

Vanessa's smile is triumphant. "Good. I knew you'd see reason."

She wipes her plate clean, stands up with a graceless wobble, and strides out of the cafe with the damned confidence of someone who knows the ball is in their court.

My head hurts as I call another cab back to Marcus's. Inside, the leather all but swallows me whole as I dial Theo's number first, my fingers trembling as I hold the phone to my ear. He picks up on the second ring.

"Ella? Everything okay?" His voice is laced with concern.

"No," I manage to say, my voice cracking. "Can you come to Marcus's place? I need to talk to all of you."

"I'll be there," he replies without hesitation.

Next, I call Will and then Ethan, each conversation short and filled with a heavy silence. They sense something is wrong but don't press me for details. They just promise to be there.

Once I reach the manor, I go straight to the kitchen. I know Marcus will come there when he hears the others arriving. I don't have it in me to call him down. It's almost cowardly, but it is what it is.

I sit at the kitchen table, staring blankly at the rain-streaked window, my mind a chaotic swirl of fear and sorrow. When I hear the front door open, I know it's time.

Theo, Will, and Ethan file into the kitchen, their faces etched with worry. Just like I'd thought, Marcus joins us, Lily in his arms, her tiny face brightening when she sees me. The sight of her innocent smile nearly breaks me.

"What's going on, Ella?" Marcus asks, his voice steady but his eyes betraying his anxiety.

I take a deep breath, trying to find the words. "I… I have to leave."

"What?" Theo's voice is sharp with disbelief. "Why?"

"It's complicated," I say, my throat tightening. "I can't stay here. It's not safe."

"Not safe? What are you talking about?" Ethan steps closer, confused.

"I've received threats," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper, "and I can't put you all in danger because of me."

Will frowns, crossing his arms. "What kind of threats?"

"Someone knows things about me, things that could hurt all of you if I stay," I say, my voice breaking. "And they've made it clear that if I don't leave, they'll make all of our lives miserable."

Marcus's grip tightens around Lily. "Ella, you don't have to do this. We can protect you."

"I can't risk it," I reply, tears spilling down my cheeks. "I can't risk your lives. Or Lily's."

Lily's gaze shifts from Marcus to me, her little brow furrowing in confusion. "Ella?"

"I'm so sorry," I whisper, my heart shattering, "but I have to go. I have a friend's place I can stay at for a while."

"No," Theo says firmly. "You can't just leave us. We'll figure this out together."

"I wish I could stay," I say, my voice trembling, "but it's not fair to any of you. You've all been so wonderful to me, but I can't put you in harm's way."

"Ella, please," Ethan entreats me. It's the first I've heard him say please—and God, I hope it will be the last because it breaks my heart. "We need you. Lily needs you."

Lily's lower lip trembles, and she starts to cry, reaching out her tiny arms toward me. "Ella stay!"

Her sobs are like a knife to my heart. I rush over and take her from Marcus, holding her close as she buries her face in my shoulder, her cries muffled against my neck.

"I'm so sorry, sweet girl," I whisper, kissing the top of her head. "I love you so much. But I have to go."

Lily's sobs only intensify, her little body shaking with the force of her cries. Marcus's eyes are blazing as he watches us, his jaw clenched tightly.

"I wish there were another way," I say, my voice breaking. "But trust that I do not say this lightly—right now, this is the only way."