The back door swings open and Hunt and Sarah step outside, their curiosity switching between the three of us.
“What are you doing here?” Hunt directs at me. “Aren’t you meant to be at Torian’s with the klepto?”
I ignore the taunt as they continue down the stairs, the door banging shut behind them.
“Who died?” Sarah asks.
“Nobody,” I sneer. “I’m just trying to have a conversation with my brother.”
“Must be a serious conversation.” She plasters her hands on her hips, all smug and superior. “I’m sensing a wealth of hostility.”
The door squeaks opens again, and I curse under my breath at the added audience. It isn’t until I glance up to see who it is that my world drops.
Penny.
Her gaze treks over me, from my clenched fists and intimidating stance to the stupid asshole in front of me who bears the brunt of my anger.
It takes a brief second for her expression to change. From curiosity to horror, the color draining from her features.
“It was him,” she whispers, still holding the door as if unsure whether to flee back inside. “It was your brother.”
Benji’s gaze bores into the side of my face as her eyes beg for answers.
I don’t know what to say. I don’t know how to fix this.
My brother has dragged us into a mess I can’t even comprehend, and all I want to do is get her out of it.
“Shorty, I need you to go back inside for a few more…”
My words drift off as Torian comes up behind her, still wearing the mask of hospitable exuberance he always radiates at these functions. He shows no shock at the gathering. No surprise at all at his sister’s tears.
“Why did the party move to the parking lot?” He reaches over Penny’s shoulder, opening the door wide to get out.
Decker follows a few steps behind. “What the hell are you doing here, Pen?”
Nobody speaks. Nobody moves.
“Don’t look at me.” Hunt raises his hands. “Sarah and I came out here to fuck.”
Torian stops at my side. “Do I need to ask again? Why is my sister upset?
“It’s been a long week, Cole.” Layla sniffs. “I’m overemotional. That’s all.”
I fight the need to glare at her as Penny cautiously descends the stairs. Her approach is slow, but her head is high, her shoulders straight. She’s preparing for battle.
I start toward her, needing—more than anything—to get her out of here. “We came for a drive to see if we could catch a glimpse of Penny’s parents. We’re leaving now.”
“You’re not going anywhere until I have answers,” Torian’s tone is calm as he lashes out to grab my arm in a white-knuckle grip. “Tell me why my sister is crying.”
My pulse detonates.
His hand on me is enough to push my rage beyond my control.
My lip curls with the restriction. The hair on the back of my neck rises.
“Just drop it.” Layla wipes her nose with the side of her hand. “I had a fight with my husband. That’s all. It’s none of your business.”
Torian ignores her, and my brother, too. Instead, he pins me with his narrowed stare, wordlessly siphoning the truth.
“Get your fucking hand off me.” I yank my arm from his hold and reach into my pocket, retrieving my car fob. “Sarah, I need you to take Penny back to the house. I don’t want her parents seeing her before she’s—”
“No.” Penny shakes her head. “I’m not going anywhere.”
I walk to her, not stopping until we’re toe to toe. Chest to chest. I wrap my arms around her and pull her so damn close my mouth is a breath from her ear as I whisper, “I need you to do this for me. Trust me.”
She stiffens and draws back until those frantic eyes meet mine.
A myriad of thoughts dance in those dark depths. There are questions. Accusations. Fears. I can hear them all, the volume deafening.
“I’ll follow soon.” I mark the lie with a quick kiss.
God only knows if I’m going to get out of this to see her again. And from her gasped exhale, I think she knows it, too.
“I don’t have all fucking night,” Torian seethes. “We have guests to return to. Get her the hell out of here, Sarah.”
Penny’s eyes widen as she shakes her head. “Please, Luca.”
“Go. Everything will be okay.” It’s another lie. After weeks of priding myself on telling her the truth, I’m now tainting this thing we have between us. “Make sure the car on the side street follows