Page 44 of Saving Her

I itch to run for a brother that might be here to save me, yet I should hide from him, too.

I need him, and I have to stay away.

I can’t fall victim to weakness now. Not when my battle is far from over. Those women in Luther’s house are my top priority and succumbing to the allure of a savior won’t help any of us.

A door whooshes open in the distance. An unfamiliar woman’s voice rings out. And another. More men, too. But none I recognize.

I begin to sag with pained relief that my brother isn’t here when a cocky voice enters the mix.

“I’m told I have some secret present waiting for me.”

I suck in a ragged breath.

It’s him.

Sebastian.

My blood surges. My heart pounds.

I’m torn. Broken in two. It’s killing me not knowing if I should knock down my walls or build them higher. Keep battling or finally embrace vulnerability.

Every limb trembles with the need to surrender. I want, want,wantmy demons slain for me. It’s all I yearn for. Yet I can’t count on anyone. Not even a brother I previously would’ve entrusted with my life.

I back away from the door, letting longing slowly slip through my fingers.

“We need to get out of here, little guy.” I paste on a smile and turn to Tobias still sitting on the bed. “Are you ready for an adventure?”

“Where are we going? Will we take Baba’s boat back to Naxos?”

“Maybe. Do you know how to drive a boat?” I make the question light-hearted even though I seriously have no idea how we’re going to get off this island. I’m not sure I’d even know how to drive a car anymore, let alone a boat.

He gives me a sheepish grin, the first pleasure-filled expression he’s shown since this morning. “A little. Baba would let me steer the wheel sometimes.”

“That’s perfect.”

It’s entirelynotperfect, but I’ll figure it out.

If we can escape without being noticed maybe I can wave down a fisherman or some tourists. Someone has to be on the water nearby.

I help Tobias from the bed and lead him to the window. “We’re going to climb out.” I grip the frame, about to pull the window open when I notice the motion sensors attached to the glass.

Goddammit.

“What’s wrong?” Tobias asks. “Do you need my help to lift it?”

My heart clenches at his sweetness. “No. It’s okay. But maybe going out the window isn’t the best idea.”

I need to think.

Think. Think. Think.

My brain fails me, my concentration continuously returning to the mumbled words carrying from the living room.

“Penny?” Tobias grips my blouse. “I need to use the bathroom.”

Shit.

“Can you hold on? Just for a little while?”

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