Coffee.
Wood.
The familiar scent of the farmhouse.
Safe.
For the first time since that black SUV pulled into the yard, the fight finally drained out of her, replaced by the quiet, heavy reality that she was actually going to survive.
Naomi fussed instantly.
“There’s hot water ready upstairs, clean towels in the bathroom, and if either one of you tells me you aren’t hungry, I’ll personally fight you.”
That pulled the first real smile out of Izzy.
Burke appeared in the doorway behind them, exhausted down to his bones.
“You good if we head out?” he asked Grant quietly.
Grant nodded once.
“Yeah.”
Caitlin hugged Izzy one more time before stepping back.
“I’m calling you later.”
“You better.”
Burke gave Izzy a tired smile.
Then his eyes shifted toward Grant.
Something passed silently between the brothers.
Take care of her.
Grant gave the slightest nod.
Always.
* * *
The front door closed behind them.
And suddenly the farmhouse went still.
Only this time it felt different.
Upstairs, hot water poured over Izzy’s shoulders while steam filled the bathroom.
She stood there longer than necessary, letting herself feel the bruises now that adrenaline had faded.
Wrists sore from zip ties.
Knees scraped.
Arms aching.
