Page 47 of Truck Hard

“Mom?” Cam’s voice comes from behind Liam’s brothers. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine, honey.” I try to smile reassuringly, but my heart breaks at the fear in his eyes. No child should have to see their mother threatened like this.

“Cameron.” Charlie’s voice softens, becomes cajoling. “Son—”

“Don’t call me that!” Cam’s shout is raw with emotion. “I’m not your son! I never was!”

Charlie’s head snaps toward me, murder in his eyes. But before he can move, Liam is there, a solid wall between us. His brothers close ranks, creating an impenetrable barrier.

“Leave,” Liam says quietly. “Now. Before I forget why I shouldn’t break every bone in your body.”

Chapter 11

Embers of the Past

Liam

Charlie’s face contorts with seething rage as I stand between him and Hannah, placing myself as an immovable barrier. My blood pounds in my ears, every muscle tense and ready. The urge to lash out—to make him pay for every bruise, every tear, every scar, every moment of fear he’s inflicted—burns through me like wildfire. But I hold myself in check. Barely.

“Get out.” I growl, my voice low and dangerous. Behind me, I feel Hannah trembling, hear her rapid breathing. The knowledge that he’s reduced her to this state again makes my vision blur red at the edges.

My brothers move closer, ready to jump in and help. We move as one unit, a wall of protection between this monster and the woman he’s tormented for far too long.

“The cops are on their way!” Mac’s voice rings out as he runs across the yard. Good. Let them come. Let them see Charlie violating the restraining order. Let them drag his sorry ass back to jail where he belongs.

Charlie’s eyes dart between us, calculating. His carefully maintained facade cracks further, revealing the ugly truth beneath.

“You think you can intimidate me?” He snarls, but I catch the flicker of uncertainty in his gaze as he takes in the solid line of Mutter brothers arrayed against him. “I have rights—”

“Rights?” The word tastes like acid in my mouth. “You lost any rights you had when you laid hands on Hannah. When you terrorizedmyson.”

“Yourson?” Charlie’s laugh is sharp and bitter. “That’s rich, coming from the man who abandoned them both. Where were you when he was growing up, huh? Where were you when—”

The crunch of gravel outside cuts him off. Through the open door, I see a sleek black car pull up—Charlie’s parents.

Great. Just what we need—the political powerhouses of Pike County arriving to shield their precious boy from the consequences of his actions. Again.

Charles Sr. and Linda Fisher step out of the car with the practiced grace of people accustomed to commanding attention. They sweep up the walkway like royalty approaching peasants, their expensive clothes and perfectly coiffed appearance a stark contrast to the working-class setting.

“Charlie.” Linda’s voice cuts through the tension like a steel blade wrapped in silk. “What do you think you’re doing?”

Charlie’s posture changes instantly—shoulders straightening, chin lifting. Even now, after everything, he’s still their obedient son seeking approval. It’s pathetic.

“Mother, I—”

“Save it.” Charles Sr. steps forward, his presence filling the small entryway. His cold gaze sweeps over us before settling on Hannah with naked disdain. “This situation has gone on long enough. You’re coming with us. Now.”

“But—”

“She’s not worth it.” Linda’s lip curls as she looks at Hannah. “She never was. Just a gold-digger who trapped you with another man’s child. We’ll fight her in court.”

The words are harsh and so far from the truth it only feeds my anger more. I feel Hannah flinch behind me, and something in my chest breaks. How many times had she endured this kind of casual cruelty? How many times had these people torn her down while pretending to welcome her into their family?

“Watch your mouth.” Warren growls, taking a threatening step forward. I put out a hand to stop him, though every fiber of my being wants to let him loose.

“Or what?” Charles Sr.’s smile is cold and knowing. “You’ll attack us? Please. Do try. I’m sure the governor would be very interested in hearing about how the Mutter boys assaulted a respected family in their own community.”

The threat hangs heavy in the air. They have power—real power—and they know how to use it. One word from them could destroy everything we’ve built, everything we’ve worked for.

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