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Chapter Thirty-Two

Now

“So, what’s the plan here?” Tucker asks as we all gather in our living room. I haven’t been able to relax since the judge granted him bail this afternoon. He’s probably already out. Lurking in the shadows, just waiting for the perfect opportunity to get to me.

“I don’t think there is anything we can do.” Nix lets out a growl from behind me and wraps his arms around my waist. I snuggle closer to him before turning back to my brother and continuing, “He’s not doing anything wrong by being out on bail right now. We just have to wait.”

This time, all three boys growl and I roll my eyes.

“I don’t like it,” Trey says.

“Me either,” Tucker grunts.

“I don’t like it either but she’s right. Unless he breaks the protection order, there is nothing we can do,” Nix adds.

My brothers grumble a little but they don’t disagree this time. There is a knock at the door and every head in the room whips in its direction.

“Come in,” Nix calls and then turns to us. “It’s my dad.”

Blaze, Chance, Storm, and Streak strut into the room, nodding hello to all of us. They find chairs and settle in before Blaze gets things rolling.

“So, anyone have a plan?”

I shake my head. “Not really.”

“All right. Well, I’m gonna have two guys on her at all times.”

Chance grumbles something and I frown at him. I know he feels guilty about me getting taken. He showed up at the hospital to tell me how incredibly sorry he was. Not that I ever blamed him.

“Chance, it wasn’t your fault.”

“Yes, it was.”

“No,” Blaze barks, “it was mine. I made the call to only send one guy over.” He turns to me and offers an apologetic smile. “I failed you, darlin’ and I’m sorry. It won’t happen again. I promise you that.”

“No—”

Blaze holds his hand up to stop me. “Now, along with the two guys, I’ll put a guy on that asshole so we can keep tabs on him.” Everyone in the room nods and even I have to admit that the thought of knowing where he is at all times eases some of my stress. Blaze turns and speaks directly to me. “We’ll keep you safe until this thing is taken care of.”

“When is this going to be taken care of? When is it going to be over for good?” Everyone in the room looks down, not wanting to answer my question, and in their silence, I find my answer.

This will only end when one of us is dead.

* * * *

“Emma,” his voice wakes me from a deep sleep, and instantly, my body goes on alert at the danger it knows is there.

No!

No, he can’t have me.

I won’t let him take me again.

His hand wraps around my upper arm and he squeezes, his fingers digging into my skin. “How many times do I have to tell you that you are mine, bitch?” he snarls. “You’ll never get away. You’ll never be free.”

“No!” I respond, surprised by how strong my voice sounds. I will fight back this time. I’m stronger than the last time he turned me into a victim.

He laughs, the sound sending chills all the way to my toes. “You don’t get to say no, Emma. You have no control here.”