Page 36 of Property of Riptide
I snort because I remember teasing Riptide about these men’s version of ownership. But there’s a difference in the two styles of possession—the Kings want to love and protect us and the men who violated Zoey, they want to torture women and children. After this talk with Zoey, I now comprehend the distinct difference between the meanings and how they can be misconstrued.
I’m not sure how long we sit here lost in our thoughts before the men come back. When I set my eyes on Riptide, I jump up from my perched position and rush him.
“It’s okay, I’m alright,” he soothingly says, running his hands over my hair as I leap into his arms, winding my arms and legs around him.
“Did you find him?” I ask, crossing my fingers.
“No, he slipped away but both King chapters are patrolling. We’ll find him, Van,” Riptide swears.
“And if you don’t?” I continue, frightened to hear what will happen if he’s not located.
He buries his head in my neck, saying, “Let’s cross that bridge when we have to. Right now, all I want to do is keep you in my arms where I know you’re protected.”
“Alright, Riptide.” I’m giving in a lot, which goes against my nature, but arguing with him and pressuring him isn’t going to get me any answers any faster than he’s willing to give them. Like most things in life, I’ll bide my time and wait until there’s no other alternative than for him to talk to me.
“I don’t want to be here anymore, Riptide. Can you take me and Gagey home?”
“Let me make sure we have an escort, Van. I don’t want to take any chances when it comes to you and little man.”
“Okay,” I whisper. Even though I want to flee this place because it no longer feels safe, I’m thankful that he doesn’t want to take any risks when it comes to our welfare.
“Thank you, baby girl. I’ll be quick. Let me step outside and make a few calls then I’ll let you know what timeframe we’re looking at for getting out of here.”
He walks me back over to Icer and Indiana, lifts his phone and methodically shakes it from one side to the other, plants a kiss on my temple, and walks out.
“Feel like hosting a slumber party tonight, Van?” Indiana asks. “We’d feel better about letting you go back to your cabin if you had us with you. Riptide’s only one man and we don’t know if the man you saw came solo or in a group.”
“Where one thug goes another follows,” Icer adds. “They’re too much of a pussy to travel alone. If they found you here then they’ll find you there, and I don’t like it.”
“I’m not going to say no,” I coo, wanting to cut some of this tension that’s rolling off Icer. “If you think it’s for the best, then I’m going to comply because Gagey is the most important person to me. I’ll always do what’s necessary to keep him safe.”
Icer grunts before nodding his head. “You never have to worry about the kids as long as I’m around.”
“I know that,” I confirm. “It’s why I’ve let you take off with him on your own. You’re the only person I’ve ever felt comfortable enough with to let do that. I’m kinda protective when it comes to my boy, that’s the main reason I took a remote job so I didn’t have to put him in daycare. Too many kids, and not enough eyes.”
“You’re a good momma,” Icer praises, making my chest beat rapidly in my chest. This man doesn’t give out compliments often so the fact that he did so with me makes me glow.
“Thank you. And you’re a fantastic uncle,” I return, giving him the kudos he deserves. “If I had a lineup of men vying for that title, I’d pick you each and every time.”
“Is he blushing?” Indiana muses. “I’ve never seen him do that.”
“Shut up, asshole,” Icer growls, pushing Indiana causing him and Zoey, who’s casually tucked underneath his arm, to stumble back. When he realizes Zoey got tangled up with the stumbling, he hangs his head and his face turns sheepish. “Sorry, sis.”
“It’s okay, Icer. I’m fine,” Zoey reassures. “You’ve never hurt me and you never will.”
“Never,” Icer corroborates. “You aren’t supposed to hurt your family.”
“But you have no problems hurting me. Guess we know where I stand,” Indiana hisses.
Icer points at him and says, “At the bottom of the barrel.” Indiana grips his chest as if he’s in the midst of a heart attack. “I’m hurt, brother.”
“At least you’re in the barrel,” Zoey says, snickering.
“Suppose that’s better than nothing,” Indiana huffs.
“Asshole,” Icer rasps out.
“Takes one to know one,” Indiana rebuts, looking proud of his comeback.
