Page 48 of Saving Her

“Like hell you do.” Sebastian steps closer. “I’m not leaving you alone with her.”

Luca doesn’t falter. He keeps his eyes narrowed on mine. “Now,” he speaks to me.

I don’t know what this is about. But I can see the determination in his expression. Whatever it is holds importance.

“Leave us,” I murmur.

“That’s not going to happen.” Sebastian crosses his arms over his chest. “I’ll never let you out of my sight again.”

My heart protests the protection, wanting it and rejecting it at the same time.

“Get out.” I raise my voice. “I don’t want you here.”

Pain seeps into his features, tainting everything it touches—his eyes, his lips.

“And take the kid,” Luca adds.

“What?” I grasp Tobias’s shoulders. “No.”

“It’s only for a few minutes. Keira can get him something to eat.”

The woman nods. “I’ll look after him.”

I glare at her—the daughter to my rapist, the blood of my nightmares.

“Nothing is going to happen to him,” Luca continues. “He’s with family here.”

“I don’t like this,” Sebastian growls. “I want to know what the hell is going on.”

The room falls silent waiting for me to make the next move. I don’t know what to do—succumb to my brother, give Luca what he wants, or forge ahead with my demand to leave.

Every option has pitfalls, but none more so than my lack of confidence to get off this island alone or my fear at dragging my brother into a mess he won’t survive.

That leaves Luca.

“Let us talk in private.” I glance away, wanting the surly man to know I’m not happily obliging to his request.

There’s more silence, where I feel my brother’s wince instead of seeing it. His disappointment ebbs through the room, dirtying my skin.

“If you need anything,” he bites out, “you fucking yell, okay? Scream and I’ll be back in here to kill this motherfucker before he can take another breath.”

I don’t show my appreciation. I can’t. Letting my guard down and thanking him isn’t something I can come back from. Instead, I turn to crouch before Tobias, yet again pasting on a dishonest smile.

“I don’t want to go,” he starts. “I want to stay with you.”

“I know. But you’re going to be fine.” I pray I’m not lying to him. I beg the heavens to grant me this one favor. “It’s only for a few minutes.”

“You promise?”

“Of course I do. I’d never put you in harm’s way. You know that.” I grab his hands. “Go. Get some food. Take a look around.”

“But—”

“It’s time to listen, Tobias. This is important. Remember what I said about getting back home?”

He nods, his face pinched with understanding.

“Good.” I squeeze his fingers. “We need to get the others. And to do that I have to talk to Luca.”

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