34
Headlights cutthrough the navy skyline, temporarily blurring my vision as my eyes adjust to the break in the darkness. I grab hold of the duffel bag resting at my feet and rise to a stand.
Next to me, Noah mirrors my movement, pushing from the outdoor swing before she wraps her arms around my neck and peers up at me through thick lashes. “I know what you said”—tears gather in her eyes—“but you don’t have to do this, Rhett.”
I can see the apprehension on her face, and although it kills me to know she’s worried about the outcome of this trip, it’s something I need to do. For both of us.
The truck comes to a halt at the base of the porch steps, but my brothers can wait. I need a moment to reassure her that no matter what happens, I won’t feel an ounce of guilt for it.
Lifting my free hand to Noah’s face, I brush a finger across her cheekbone and sweep tousled hair behind her ear. “I love you, Noah. Hell, I can’t remember a time when I didn’t,” I pause, falling victim to the whiskey brewing in her eyes. “My only goals in this life are to make you happy and keep you safe. I failed the first time, but please, don’t hold it against me.” A lump lodges in my throat, but I force it down and continue, “Instead, let me ensure that every day from here on out is a day you’re free from the demons that haunt you. Let me love you the best way I know how—selflessly, unconditionally, protectively, and when the time calls for it, violently.”
“Rhett, I… I lo?—”
“Sh. Not now. Tell me when I come back.” My thumb swipes at the lone tear that caresses her cheek. “I could stand here day and night, spewing cliches about burning the world down for you, but even that wouldn’t come close to the lengths I’d go.” Dipping my head, my lips brush the tip of her nose. I draw in a breath, then rest my forehead against hers, hand cupping her jaw. “Never underestimate the things I’d do for you, Noah. I won’t stop until every last one of them has paid for the scars left beneath your skin. Let me erase your demons.”
Her arms move to circle my waist as she buries her head against my chest. “Promise me you’ll be safe.”
“Always, Starlet.”
We stand there for a moment, embracing eachother, neither of us ready to let go. The truck’s tailgate slams, drawing my attention toward Kade. He’s handing an overnight bag to Sage as he kisses her goodbye.
“Guess that’s my cue.” Framing Noah’s jawline, I tilt her face upward until her eyes lock to mine. “I left my phone here, but as soon as I can, I’ll call you from the burners Jace got for us.”
She nods on an inhale and audibly swallows. “Remember your promise. Come home.”
“In every lifetime.” As I descend the porch steps, Sage approaches. With a wink, I add, “Look after my girl for me.”
“You got it, big brother.” A smile lights up Sage’s face as she teases me. “Make sure none of you get arrested. I don’t fancy bailing out a bunch of Rivers boys from jail.”
“Don’t worry, nobody will even know we’re there.” I tip my chin and keep walking.
As I near the unfamiliar F-350, Kade tosses me the keys and pulls open the passenger door. “You take the first shift.”
“Whose truck is this?” A week ago, Kade said he had our transportation handled, but judging by the shit-eating grin dancing across his scruffy face, I’m sure I already know the answer, but I want to make him admit it.
“I borrowed it from an old friend.” He shrugs hisshoulders, eyes bouncing to the back seat where Jace and Cole are seated, sniggering between themselves.
“Kade.” I raise a brow, knowing full well my brother hates most people, except his family and Sage. “You don’t have any fuckin’ friends.”
His hand flies to his chest in mock dismay. “Careful, Rhett. You’ll hurt my feelings.”
I pull open the driver's door with a chuckle. “You don’t have any of those either.”
Once I’ve hiked myself into the cab, I toss a glance into the back seat. The twins greet me quickly before dropping their gazes back to their laptop screens. Jace grumbles something that sounds awfully like, “Gotcha, motherfucker,” while Cole responds with a barely audible, “Hotel secured.”
I shake my head and turn the key in the ignition, knowing better than to disturb them while they’re doing their thing.
The cab is silent until we pull off the back roads that connect our ranch to civilization, but curiosity itches at my skin.
From the corner of my eye, I glance at Kade. “This is a nice truck. Are you sure yourfrienddoesn’t mind us using it?”
“Nah,” Kade grunts. “Won’t even know it’s missing.”
I jam on the brakes, thankful there’s nobody driving through town at four in the morning. The last thing weneed is to cause a fucking pileup. “Please tell me you didn’t steal this truck.”
“Calm your ball hair, Rhett.” He chuckles. “I didn’t steal shit. I borrowed it. We’ll have it back in a few days, and nobody will be the wiser.” He shrugs his shoulders like it’s no big deal. “Besides, Toby’s hardly in a position to report it missing, is he?”
“Mother of fuck.” I scrub my hand down my face.I fucking knew it.“Please tell me you’re kidding and I am not driving a dead man’s truck.”
