Page 130 of Quarterback Sneak
“Baby, I will always protect you and take out anyone that is a threat to you.”
I bury my face in his neck. “Thank you.” He holds me for a long time, running a hand up and down my spine. I finally sit back and meet his eyes. “What about our bond?”
“It’s still there.” He puts his hands on either side of my face. “And when we complete the bond fully, the first time we’re intimate together, the bond will be cemented into place. It will never be threatened.” His eyes are intense as they hold my gaze. “I’m not saying that to push you into anything. I just want you to know that our bond is safe.” He switches to our mental link.You’re safe.
I melt against him.Thank you.
You don’t need to thank me for keeping you safe,he growls at me.
I smile against his chest, feeling loved, safe, and cared for.Okay.
He runs his hand up and down my spine.When you’re ready for it, my father needs to ask you some questions.He doesn’t sound happy about it.
Okay.
Are you sure you’re up to it?
Yes.I pat his chest and look up into his eyes. I bite my lip a moment.Are they all dead?Zane’s body tenses beneath mine. I run my hand over the hair on the back of his head.It’s okay, Zane. Just tell me.
His eyes meet mine.The master and Sam escaped.
The words are like a blow to my chest, but I don’t let them bother me right now. I lean against Zane’s chest for a moment longer before I push off him and stand to my feet. “I’m ready to talk to your dad.”
He looks up at me. “Are you sure? Because I can put him off.”
I give him a small smile, but my stomach twists. “No, he needs to hear what I have to say.”
Zane tenses at my words, and his eyes search mine. But I keep my mouth shut. I don’t want to have to share this part twice. I put out my hand to him, and he takes mine. He kisses my hand and leads me out of the room. When we get to the living room, it’s full. I take in everyone gathered. Reid, Quint, and Slate are all present, as well as Zane’s dad and mom, Zane’s coach, and a few other people. Every head turns to us when we walk into the room. I tighten my hand on Zane’s, and he squeezes mine in return before he releases it and wraps an arm around my shoulder and pulls me into his side.
“Evie, how are you feeling?” Zane’s dad asks even as Zane’s mom gives me a big hug.
“I’m so sorry, Sweetie.”
“Thank you,” I say softly. I swallow hard and face everybody in the room before I talk to Zane through our bond.Can we talkto your parents privately?I feel his gaze on my face, but he nods right away.
“Mom and Dad, Evie wants to talk to us alone first.”
Zane’s dad doesn’t bat an eye. “Everybody out. I’ll fill you in soon.”
Chapter 54
Evie
One by one, everybody heads outside into the backyard. Quint stops in front of me. “I’m glad you’re okay, Evie.”
I give him my best smile. “Thanks.”
Slate and Reid both nod at me but stay quiet as they step outside. Soon, it’s only Zane and me and his parents. I take a deep breath, hating what’s coming. Zane’s father misses nothing. “What is it, Evie?”
I eye all three of them a moment, hating what I’m about to tell them. I’m afraid it’s going to change everything for them. “It’s about their master.”
I take a deep breath and tell them everything the master told me. The three of them stay quiet, except a growl from Zane or his father every little bit. When I finally get out all the sordid details, I fall silent and wonder what’s going to happen.
“Thank you, Evie,” Zane’s mother says as she squeezes my hand.
I eye her in surprise and then look at her husband. “Aren’t you worried?” I can’t help but ask. “Aren’t you scared he’ll take you from your husband?”
She smiles at me.Smiles. “I’d like to see them try.” She takes her husband’s hand in hers.
