Page 79 of Badges
“Thank you.” I manage to work past Wade’s broad shoulders. “I don’t think we’ve met yet?”
“Sophia McCullough.” She holds out her hand with a surprisingly firm shake. “That’s my brother, Sawyer.”
“There are Mason’s kids. You know, Black Gulch?” Wade gives me a brow raise for emphasis.
Making the connection forms a lump in my throat.
These are the people I was supposed to be hurting.
“Nice to meet you, I’m Elena.” I swallow hard, not quite sure how they’re going to take me.
Sophia’s fingers wave through the air. “I know who you are. You don’t look that scary.” Her crooked smile melts the tension in me.
“I’m gonna go grab the pizzas.” Sawyer glances at me. “Glad I gotta name to the face.” His thin lips betray his unease with me.
I guess it’s still better than outright hatred. It’d be what I deserve.
“We’re treating Dad and Lori. Can you believe she still wants to cook every day? Sheesh.” Sophia shakes her head. “We’re getting the house ready for Grandma and Grandpa. Last thing Lori needs to do is make us dinner, too.”
“Yea? When are they supposed to get in?” Wade asks.
Why is there more interest in his question than I expected he’d have over two old people?
“Next week. Between Dad and Uncle Dixon, there’s a ton of babies for them to play with. Even April and Libby are getting ready to pop soon,” she laughs. “I’m feeling left out.”
“You’re young, plenty of time.” Wade wraps my waist with his palms, lifting me easily and sets me on my seat.
Sophia turns to glance towards the building. “I’m gonna go track Sawyer down. He’s probably already eating one of the pepperonis.” She gives Wade an exaggerated eye roll.
“You’re like the cavalry saving the day.” I raise my hand to my forehead in a mock salute.
She laughs and starts walking towards the bar. “You aren’t so bad, ya know? Have Wade bring you over to meet everyone.”
I don’t know. Seeing Sawyer’s hesitancy means that not all of the people at Black Gulch will be as understanding.
“Thank you,” I squeak out before Wade pushes my door shut.
When he slides behind the wheel, his jaw muscle is popping beneath his temple.
Wordlessly, he starts his truck and pulls out of the lot in the opposite direction that Oliver left.
You should have listened
Wade
She could have beenhurt.
Gritting my teeth, I grip the steering wheel so tightly it creaks.
“Wade?” She slides closer to reach across the console and touches my leg. “Are you okay?”
“You didn’t listen,” I growl. “I told you to get in the truck.”
Her lips twist as she chews in the inside of her cheek. “He looked like he was getting ready to fight you.”
“And how would you have stopped that?” I snap. “It’s literally myjobto keep dumbasses like that under control. If you had gotten in the middle of it, I can guarantee I wouldn’t have let him live.”
She shifts in her seat, rubbing her knees together. “What do you mean?” Her voice drops into a husky purr.
