"Devin, I can't just show up at your clubhouse.I don't know anyone.I don't?—"
"You know me.That's enough."His tone softens."Please, Enya.I can't leave you here alone, not knowing he's been outside your door.I need you somewhere safe.Somewhere I know brothers are watching."
I want to argue.Want to insist I'm fine here.But I'm not fine.I'm terrified.And the thought of being alone in this flat, knowing Declan was just here...
"Okay," I whisper.
"Okay?"
"Okay.I'll come."
Relief crosses his face."Good.Pack a bag.Just overnight stuff.You can come back tomorrow when..."
When what?When Declan's dealt with?When he's dead?
I don't ask.Just nod.
I try to pack, but my hands are shaking too badly.I can't fold clothes properly.Can't remember what I need.I just stand there in my bedroom staring at an open drawer like it's a puzzle I can't solve.
Devin appears beside me."Let me."
He packs for me, grabbing leggings, a jumper, and clean underwear.He tosses them in a small duffel then leads me out of the flat like I'm a child who needs guiding.
Maybe I am right now.
The car ride to the clubhouse is quiet.Tense.Devin drives with one hand on the wheel, the other resting on my thigh.Grounding me.Keeping me present.
But I can't stop looking out the window, scanning every shadow, every parked car, every person on the street.
Is that him?Or that one?
What if he's following us?
What if he knows where we're going?
"Breathe," Devin says quietly."You're safe."
"How do you know?"
"Because I'm watching.I've checked the mirrors.No one's following us."
I want to believe him.I try to force my body to relax, but it won't.It just keeps coiling tighter and tighter.
By the time we pull up outside the clubhouse, I'm nearly hyperventilating.
Devin parks and turns to me."You alright?"
"No."
"Honest.I like that."He squeezes my hand."Come on.They're waiting for you."
"Who's waiting?"
"The women.I texted ahead, asked them to be here."
"Why?"
"Because you need people right now.And they're good people."
