Page 199 of Saving Her

Torian moves to the fridge and pulls the door wide. “Just wait until he finds out they’re sleeping together. You’re going to want popcorn for that show.”

“Ignore them,” I whisper in Penny’s ear. “This is how they get their kicks.”

A door slams in the distance and laughter murmurs through the room.

They all think this is a joke—Pen’s situation, Decker’s outrage. Maybe I would too if I was on the other side of the fence. But each quip hits her harder. I feel it in the tension coiling through her.

Hunter glances over his shoulder to us. “If this is the way he reacts to you guys hugging, you might want to rest with one eye open. My man might slit your throat in your sleep.”

“We’re not fucking,” I snap. “Y’all are as bad as he is.”

“Those scratches don’t lie, buddy. Just wait until he notices them. He’s going to snap your spine like a twig.”

Penny stiffens, her arms finally weaving around my waist in a protective hug.

“They’re just having fun,” I whisper. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Yeah, Pen, don’t worry.” Sarah chuckles through the placation. “We’ll protect Luca. We won’t let him get too much of a beating.”

Vibrations echo from under my feet, the mutedpop,pop,popscarrying in perfect rhythm.

“What’s that noise?” Penny looks up at me in concern.

“There’s a shooting range in the basement. Your brother is letting off steam.”

“Or perfecting his aim.” Hunt grabs a cookie from the jar on the kitchen counter, shoving it into his mouth to chew with an exaggerated smile. “My guess is the latter.”

“That’s real funny, asshole.” I rub Penny’s back, trying to loosen her rigidity. “Seriously, don’t worry about your brother. I’ll speak to him after he cools down.”

Keira reenters the room. “Guys, I don’t know how much time we have. Layla will keep the kids occupied as long as she can. But who knows how long the nanny will take to get here on short notice?”

“Okay. Everyone, hurry up.” Torian leads the way to the hall at the other end of the living area. “My office. Now.”

I give Pen a final squeeze, then step back. “You’ve gotta be hungry; you didn’t eat breakfast.” I grab her hand and lead her to the kitchen. “Food? Coffee? Both?”

“A piece of fruit will be enough. My stomach isn’t playing nice.”

I grab an apple and raise a brow in question.

She nods. “Thanks.”

I lob the Granny Smith at her and pour myself a mug of caffeine. Sarah and Hunt help themselves to the fridge. Within minutes we’re all in Torian’s office, Keira sitting in the middle of an elegant sofa, Sarah and Hunt leaned against opposite armrests, while Penny and I remain standing, side by side.

“So, what’s this about one of Luther’s men being here in Portland?” Hunt asks. “I thought we took out those fuckers in Greece.”

“I thought we did, too.” Torian takes a seat behind the large wooden desk, and turns his Mac screen to face us. “Penny, on the other hand, thinks this is Robert. One of my father’s nearest and dearest.”

The bank ATM image is on display, the poor picture quality magnified with the larger size.

“Looks like a big blur to me.” Sarah leans forward, squinting. “How can you be sure?”

“I’m not.” Torian swings the screen back to face him. “We’re playing it safe. But whoever it is stole from us.”

“It’s Robert,” Penny murmurs. “There’s no question.”

Everyone looks at her, their expressions differing from mild skepticism to Hunt, who rolls his eyes with blatant disregard.

“How do you want us to go about finding this asshole?” I ask. “It’s in our best interests to keep this shit quiet and smoke him out as soon as possible.”

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