“Me?” I asked, startled. “He wouldn’t do that. Why save me if that was his plan?”
“Who knows? I don’t think like a criminal.”
“He wouldn’t hurt me.” I shook my head, positive I was right. After today, I knew beyond a doubt Lex would never hurt me. “He’s turned his back on his family. What would be the point of harming me?”
“Pride?”
“Look, I agree, he might still try to get you to tell him who killed his dad, simply because he wants to know. He has a right to know. But it wouldn’t be for revenge. Not anymore.”
He twisted his lips. “It’s a moot point anyway because he doesn’t want to come with us.”
I smiled. “Trust me, I can convince him.”
He shook his head. “I’ve never seen you like this, Dylan.”
“No, you haven’t. The entire time you’ve known me, I’ve been grieving.” I winced. “But Lex woke me up again. I’m still young, and I want to live my life. I… I think Lex loves me. After what he did today, I can’t turn my back on him.”
“You’re so sure he actually has feelings for you?”
I nodded. “Yes.”
He sighed, watching me with a frown. When he finally spoke, he sounded resigned. “I hope this doesn’t bite me in the ass.”
I brightened. “You’ll let him inside?”
His expression was grim. “If you can convince him to come to the compound, I’ll let him in. You do realize everyone will hate him, right? After the stunt he pulled, no one will trust him.”
“I trust him.”
“God, you’re so young.”
I bristled. “This has nothing to do with my age.”
He didn’t argue, but I knew he didn’t agree. When Lex and Gabriele appeared in the doorway, Charles tensed. It was obvious he was still very much on edge around the other two.
“You two should take the car and go now.” Lex met my gaze. “Gabriele and I will wait here with Hank. When we think you’ve had time to reach the compound, we’ll take off and leave Hank here.”
“You’re leaving him here?” Charles looked puzzled.
“Can’t very well take him to the cops without getting locked up ourselves,” Gabriele said.
“But if we take the car, how will you guys get to town?” I asked.
“Don’t worry about us.” Lex gave me a tentative smile.
“But I do worry,” I said softly.
“You shouldn’t.” Lex avoided my gaze.
I glanced at the unconscious Hank. “Will he die? If you just leave him here?”
Gabriele snorted. “Unfortunately, no. He’ll get free. It will take him a while, but he’ll get free.” He glanced at Lex. “Then the fun begins.”
“You mean he’ll start hunting you?” I grimaced.
“He’ll go home first to get some backup.” Gabriele shrugged. “But Lex and I are smart. We’ll be fine.”
Lex nodded but didn’t speak.