Page 198 of Saving Her

“No fair. You got a head start.” Tobias runs from Penny’s side without a backward glance, the two little brats leaving in a whirlwind of excitement.

“I’ll keep them occupied as long as I can.” Keira gives Penny a sad smile and continues for the hall. “But you might want to come up with a plan. He’s been asking about the other women for days now.”

Penny hitches her chin at the news.

I want to go to her. To pick her up and make all the shit fade away. And I would… if her brother wasn’t in the kitchen watching her like a hawk. Watchingme, too.

Despite Hunt covering my tracks, I swear Decker is waiting for the opportunity to hang me from the closest shower railing.

“Does Tobias need to be told?” Sarah asks. “Don’t you think it’s best to keep them in the dark? At least for now?”

“We can talk about it later.” Torian stalks to the fridge. “Help yourself to whatever food or drinks you need. It’s time to have a meeting while the kids are occupied.”

There are nods of agreement, shuffles of feet, food grabbed, and coffee made.

Penny remains in the center of the room, those arms wrapped tight around her middle, desperately trying to self-soothe when I could do a far better job. I can’t stand idle anymore. I can’t watch her struggle.

I start toward her, seeing her brother take notice from the corner of my eye.

He watches, unmoving as I go to her, stopping a foot away to offer wordless comfort.

Her plea for support is equally silent, the furrow of her brow deepening, her nose scrunching.

“What do you need?” I keep my voice low, almost unheard.

She cringes and bows her head. “You… I just need you.”

I don’t hesitate.

Fuck her brother.

Fuck what’s right.

I step into her, pulling her into my arms, hugging her close to my chest. She doesn’t return the embrace—merely stands there. Broken. Battered. Her cheek nestling into my neck.

“I fucking knew it,” Decker snarls. “You son of a bitch.”

I shoot him a warning glare as Penny remains defeated in my arms.

He’s furious, his narrowed eyes promising retribution as he sneers, “Is everyone else watching this shit?” He swings around to take in Hunt and Sarah’s lack of reaction.

“I’m seeing it.” Sarah takes a bite from an apple, a mug of coffee in her other hand. “I just don’t give a shit. Luca’s been helping—”

“Get your fucking hands off her.” Decker skirts the kitchen counter, coming toward us. “Do it before I do it for you.”

“Take a walk, Deck.” Hunter strolls forward, blocking his path.

“I’m not walking anywhere.”

“Like fuck you aren’t,” Torian demands. “Walk now or you’ll be on your own until you cool down.”

Decker curls his hands into fists, his face turning red. “That shit better be platonic,” he seethes. “Otherwise you’re dead.”

“Walk,” Torian growls.

“Fuck you.” Decker storms from the room, spewing a mouthful of colorful language. The verbal barrage doesn’t stop for long moments, the creative threats making Hunt chuckle.

“Has he been watching too much TV?” he asks. “He’s overly dramatic.”

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