A little too private.
There was no one around to notice someone sneaking up to the house in the middle of the night.No one to hear her screams for help.No one to save her if Jason or his police buddies broke in.
She shivered, despite the warm day.It seemed like lately, there was nothing she could do to stay warm.
The entire process of getting them to the house and making sure nobody followed had taken her on a scenic tour of the city.After a while, she couldn't tell where they were or which way they were going.
Leigh was curled up on the couch, wrapped in a blanket Hunter had pulled from the hall closet.Her face was pale, her breathing shallow, but she was resting.
The ride over, the slow shuffle into the house, the changes had all taken their toll on them both.
Hunter had gone out of his way to find them somewhere to hide while Leigh recuperated.She felt guilty about being scared to stay here alone with her sister.What if Jason found them?She already knew she couldn't stop her brother-in-law.
Despite her fears, the house was clean and came furnished.Roma had even found clothes for them, and Hunter made sure the kitchen was stocked.They were safe.She inhaled deeply and repeated the mantra.
If she told herself enough times, maybe she'd start believing Jason couldn't find them.
Annie hugged her middle.She still believed Leigh needed a doctor.The bruises, the way she winced with every movement, the way she held her ribs—it wasn't just pain.It was damage caused by someone's fists and feet, hitting, kicking, and choking.
But Leigh refused to have anyone look at her injuries, and Annie understood why.Her sister had fought with depression for the last several years.
After everything Jason had done, everything he'd taken, how could she not be depressed?
Annie blinked back the sting in her eyes.She was so busy taking care of her mom that she hadn't noticed the abuse happening to her sister.
Hunter walked in, setting down two large bags near the kitchen counter.He hadn't talked during the trip here, but his presence filled the truck, and now the house, quieting her fears of being alone.
Annie's breath caught in her throat.He was going to leave.The clubhouse seemed miles away.What if she needed him during the night?
Hunter reached into his vest and drew out a small cell phone.He extended it to her.
"Pre-paid," he said."Use it to text me if you need anything."
She took the lifeline, accidentally brushing his fingers."Thank you."
Though his phone number was no longer written on the inside of her wrist, she'd memorized the numbers.Her fingers quickly turned on the screen, and she checked the contacts.He'd put his information in there already.
He gave a short nod, looked down at her hand for a split second, and then turned toward the door.
Panic filled her."Hunter?"
He kept walking away.He was leaving.
She groaned at her mistake.He couldn't hear her.
Annie crossed the room, reaching out to touch his arm.
He turned, eyes meeting hers.
"Can you stay a little longer?"she asked, trying not to act desperate.
He studied her for a moment, then walked to the chair across from the couch.
She stepped over and squeezed into the corner of the couch near Leigh's feet and pulled the excess blanket over her.
She should probably explain how it scared her to stay alone.Her experience with Jason had taught her that she was no match for his anger, his strength, or his power.He had a whole police force ready to back him in anything he did, and he wasn't afraid to use that as a threat.He could say anything about her, and everyone would believe him.
But there was something about Hunter's quiet acceptance of the situation that let her know an explanation wasn't necessary.He wasn't judging her.
