Page 214 of Saving Her

Penny straightens from her leaned position against my shoulder, her eyes blinking away exhaustion.

“About fucking time.” I close my Mac and place it beside me on the sofa. “Where was he driving from, Mexico?”

“Ask him yourself. I already told you I don’t know where he’s been.” Torian continues to stare at his phone as he stalks away. “But give him my regards. Some business has come up that I’m going to have to deal with. I’ll be in my office if anyone needs me.”

Penny pushes to her feet in a flourish, her tired face turning pale.

“It’s going to be okay.” I reach for her, pulling her between my legs. “You trust me, right?”

She doesn’t respond. Doesn’t even act as if I’ve spoken.

“Penny?” I shove from the sofa to stand against her, dragging my hand over her hip. “You trust me.” This time it’s a statement. Shedoestrust me. We both know it. I just need her to remember. “Whatever happens, I’ll take care of you.”

Her breathing labors. Her fingers fidget at her sides. When the front door opens and footsteps approach, she turns rigid under my touch.

“Breathe,” I whisper. “Just breathe.”

She nods, her attention on the entry to the hall behind me.

I don’t turn to watch my brother walk in. I keep my eagle eyes on her. Scrutinizing. If she knows him, I want to see it for myself. I need to catch the first sign of panic so I can react accordingly.

“Hey, Luc,” Benji greets. “Long time no see.”

Her stiffness doesn’t dissipate. She doesn’t flinch as he approaches, neither confirming nor denying her fears.

She gives me nothing to go on. No hints. No leads.

Fuck.

“Hey yourself, big brother.” I give her a reassuring smile and turn to the man who’s a little shorter and leaner than me, despite his older age. “I’ve been calling.”

“No shit.” He continues toward me, dumping his suitcase at my feet before grabbing me in a bear hug. “I thought you’d get the hint I wasn’t in the mood to talk.”

“And I thought you’d get the hint it was important. You should’ve answered.”

“Well, I’m here now.” He retreats, his attention shifting to Penny as his arms fall to his sides. “You must be the woman I’ve heard so much about. You’re Decker’s sister, right?”

“Penny.” I reach for her, dragging her into my side to place a protective arm around her waist. There’s still no change in her expression. No clues. “Shorty, this is my brother, Benji.”

She doesn’t move. Doesn’t speak. The only change in her appearance is the slight raise to her chin.

I can’t tell what she’s thinking. Not when she’s back in warrior mode. Everything is tightly bottled, her thoughts barricaded from view.

“The others told me about you,” Benji continues. “You sound like quite a woman.”

“Your wife told me all about you, too.” Penny clears her throat, adding strength to her tone. “But I already recognized your voice.”

The hairs on the back of my neck raise. Every nerve is on edge.

“I’ve heard you before.” Her tone is level, no hint of emotion. “Many times.”

Benji’s brows tighten as he shoots me a look. “What’s she talkin’ about?”

Nowthat’san expression I can work with. He’s defensive.

“She overheard conversations between you and Luther while she was in Greece.” I rub my thumb along her side in a vain offer of support. “Turns out you spoke to your father-in-law more often than most.”

He nods. “Yeah. He was always dialing my number. What did you overhear?”

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