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“Meeting Will?”

He went home a little while ago. They’ve been stuck together like glue since the kidnapping. Not that I blame either of them. I had to work out tonight to stop myself from driving over to Jack’s and climbing in bed with him and Harper.

It feels wrong being separated, but what else are we going to do? I don’t think Robert and Cathy want four grown boys staying at their house every night because they don’t want to be away from their girlfriend and Jack.

But maybe they would understand.

“Uh, no.” She glances down the hallway. “Is there somewhere we can talk where we won’t be overheard?”

The bugs. Fuck. I nod and gesture with my head for her to follow me.

I knock on Caden’s door. It’s still the most secure room in the house.

His footsteps close in, and he jerks it open. “Why are you⁠—”

Penny peeks out from behind me.

“Knocking,” Caden finishes.

“Need to talk.” I gesture to Penny. Caden swings the door open. He’s in sweats and a t-shirt at least. I start peeling off the tape on my hands as I walk over to the chair.

Caden closes the door and Penny sits on the edge of the couch, dropping her purse beside her.

“Is this a private conversation?” Caden asks.

I raise an eyebrow at Penny, letting her decide. She shakes her head.

“You can stay.” She takes a breath and meets my gaze head on. “I’m going back to our father’s house to live.”

My eyes narrow, but I don’t say anything. I figured he’d use this tactic to get me to come back. It means he doesn’t have to demand. It’s a move, and one I anticipated. It still sucks, but I know what I have to do.

“I’ll pack my things.” I glance at Caden when he releases a low growl.

Penny shivers but holds her hands up. “That’s not necessary.”

I run my hand through my hair and meet her steady gaze. “You can’t go back there alone.”

“But I can.” She straightens. “You don’t owe him anything for coming to the hospital. It’s my debt to pay. I’m willing to be the protégé he wants. The one who is obedient and cutthroat.”

“You don’t understand⁠—”

“Yes, I do.” Penny stands. “I know he’s abusive to you. There’s no way I’m letting you go back to that house for me. Besides, he wants you close to Harper for whatever nefarious scheme he has planned.”

“I don’t like this.” I try to figure out what angle he’s playing and how to get ahead of it.

Penny sits down. Her determined eyes focus on me, but her tone is softer. “You’ve done your time with him. He won’t hit me. After what I did to Tanner, I think he’s a little afraid of me.”

Her smile is devious.

“He’s playing a game.” I know it. What will Harper think if I let Penny go by herself to that house? “He’ll use you to get to me.”

Penny shakes her head but focuses on me.

“Luke, you’ve never had someone stand up for you to our father.” She leans forward. “Well, I’m your sister, and I’ve got your back this time. Thank you for having mine. It’s my turn. If he tries anything, I’ll call you first. I promise.”

I try to tamp down the rage rising in me. This is a trap. I can almost feel it closing on both of us. The only thing my father wants is control. Control of me and control of Penny. He’ll use us against each other. Spoil this thing that has begun to feel like family.

Penny exhales. “I promised him information on you like he’s had my friends do on me for years.”