Turning to him, I yell, “A mistake? No, Killian. A mistake is forgetting to switch the laundry over. Or leaving the milk on the counter. What you did was so much more than a fucking mistake.”
I ball my trembling hands into fists, my heartbeat pounds in my chest, the rage surging through me.
“You’re a monster. Own that.”
Releasing a long breath, I turn back to the window, and stare at the world around us.
“I will never forgive you or stop hating you.”
He pulls in front of their garage and speaks low as he parks.
“Finally, we agree on something, Killer.”
He gets out, and I open my door to get out before he makes it to my side. I go to stand up, and pain shoots down my spine, causing me to fall.
I moan from the ache as Killian rushes to me and scoops me into his arms. He walks through the door, and I hear Knox growl.
“Give her to me. Now.”
Killian does, but I can’t help but notice the heartbroken look on his face, and I wonder if it’s about his brothers. Surely they weren’t happy with him.
He carries me into the lounge, and I spot Carter staring at me with an emotion-filled gaze as a sob erupts from his throat.
“Heathen.”
Rushing over to me, Carter presses his hands to my face, staring at me frantically as if he’s taking inventory of every single injury. He places a gentle kiss, as soft as a light breeze on the skin covering my cheekbone. It’s tender and probably bruised. I must have gotten it when I fell on my face. Once he seems satisfied that I’m okay, he pushes his forehead against mine, sighing deeply.
“I thought I lost you.”
“I’m okay. I promise.”
His eyes are locked on mine, Knox’s arms are around me, and everything is perfect until Killian speaks.
“Get your go bags. Her father is somehow involved with the asylum. If he finds out she left with me, they’ll be looking for her. This is the first place they’ll search.”
I can see suspicion in Carter's gaze and say, “He’s right. They used Jedediah’s paddle on me. And one of the nuns, I know her. I’m sure of it. I’m not sure exactly what is going on but my family is involved.”
Knox shakes his head, irritation marring his face as he knits his eyebrows together., “And the letter to the judge. Kill, we have a lot to discuss, but it’ll have to wait. Get her a bag together. Carter can get his and mine.”
They leave the room, and I ask, “Where are we going?”
Knox strokes his fingers down my face as he sits with me on the sofa.
“Somewhere we can keep you safe. Fuck, it’s so good to have you here with me, Tesoro. So fucking good.”
Knox lies me on the sofa, carefully placing my head on the cushion and keeping my legs on his lap. Relief floods me as tears fall down my face.
“Are you okay?”
“Yes. I’m ha-ppy. I thought I’d never see you again.”
Leaning down, he brushes his lips over mine, whispering softly.
“Tesoro. My Tesoro. I missed you.”
I’m calm and never want this moment to end. Knox is my safety and comfort—he always has been that for me.
Before I have a chance to tell him I missed him too, Carter and Killian come back.
