Page 134 of Control Freak
Terror, sharp and irrational, slamming into me.
I sucked in a ragged breath, twitching as the burning, tingling sensation returned to my skin. My heart lurched, reminding me of the panic that had debilitated me just hours ago.
If this kept up, I’d need to pop an anti-anxiety pill. It had been too late to be much good when I first got home. I’d just needed to sleep. But now, I was jumpy and anxious. Would probably be that way for a while yet.
I was so fucking sick of it. I should bepastthis shit already. I should be stronger, better…
My thoughts tried to go down dark corridors and peek in doors best kept shut. Doors that led to memories of my mother and father, of belts and hard hands, of cigarette burns and cruel words.
I’ve had enough of your crying, boy!
“So, what happened with those guys?” I blurted. “I need to figure out how to keep them away from Shiloh.”
It wasn’t a relaxing subject, but it would keep my brain from recycling my trauma. If I could fix this problem, if I could keep Shiloh safe, then I’d be in control again.
“I don’t know if we should talk about that tonight,” Gray said hesitantly. “You’re still?—”
“Don’t say it,” I growled. “I’m fine.”
“Irritable,” Axel said with a smirk.
I sighed. “Please, guys. My head is all over the place.”
“Which is why it should wait,” Gray said. “The guys are locked up for tonight.”
I looked at Dalton. “Just for tonight?”
“I don’t have enough to make any serious charges stick. I have to release them by tomorrow night.”
“Damn it,” Axel swore. “So, what can we do?”
“I’ll escort them to city limits to make sure they really go,” Dalton said. “But other than that…” He spread his hands.
“That’s not good enough,” I said, chest tight. “I need to make sure these guys don’t come back.”
“We should ask Flynn,” Bailey said. “Maybe he knows someone who can beat their ass.”
Everyone gaped at him.
“What? He’s an ex-con. He has connections.”
“Please don’t plan crimes in front of me,” Dalton said, voice strained. “Still a sheriff over here.”
“Sorry.” Bailey shrugged.
“It’s not a terrible idea to ask for his help, though,” Axel mused. “He may know how to handle assholes like this.”
Dalton nodded slowly. “Sometimes guys like this only respond to threats.”
“We’ll leave you out of it,” Axel promised. “I’ll take Flynn, and we can make sure they get the message?—”
“No, it needs to be me,” I cut in. “They think they’ve scared me. I need to get the upper hand and show them that Shiloh’s not an easy target.”
“I don’t know, Holden,” Gray said. “You’ve already been through a lot. Are you sure this is a good idea?”
“Ihaveto do this,” I insisted. “I have to make sure Shiloh’s safe. I won’t feel right until I do. I won’t feel safe and secure. So don’t try to talk me out of it.”
“Okay, then we’ll come up with a plan together,” Emory said.
