Torian was working with Anissa—a Fed—our deaths won’t come easily.
In this world, snitches get more than stitches. They get a one-way ticket to unending torture to set a blatant example for anyone else who might want to do the same.
Men will die.
Women, too. Maybe the kids.
I doubt anyone will be spared.
Things would be different if Anissa was dirty. Turning a cop, a Fed, or a government official is worthy of a five-star bonus. But that woman wants to remain clean, meaning we’re all as good as fucked if Robert is kicking and decides to expose the truth.
So my days could be numbered, and if that’s the case, there’s no place I’d rather spend them than by Penny’s side, my hands in her hair, my mouth against hers.
I walk from the room toward the noise and find the living area filled with familiar faces—Hunter, Sarah, Torian, Decker, Keira, Layla, and my niece, Stella. All of them watch as Penny kneels on the plush rug in the center of the room, hugging the heck out of Tobias.
Her smile is amazing. Far more brilliant than anything I’ve encouraged.
Shit. That little fucker makes me jealous.
Her entire face is alight. From her skin to her eyes. Even those lips.
“Long time no see.” Hunt comes up beside me, nudging my shoulder with his. “Was she okay after we left last night?”
Torian walks past, snickering, his smirk enough of an answer before he continues to the sofa.
“She was fine,” I grate. “Everything was fine.”
“Everything except my car,” Hunt clarifies. “But just so you know, Decker ambushed me earlier. He wanted to know why Penny ran yesterday.”
I face him, trying to read his expression. “And?”
“And you owe me. I told him I must’ve made her feel uncomfortable, so she took off. He’s buying it for now.”
The goodwill doesn’t make a lick of sense. Unless Sarah put him up to it. Even then, kindness isn’t their style. “Thanks.”
He grins. “I’m not looking for kind words, bucko. Like I said, you owe me.”
“Great. That’s just what I need.” I turn back to the room, my glare fading as my niece catches my eye.
“Uncle Luca.” Stella runs toward me, her hair bouncing around her shoulders. “I missed you.”
I crouch and open my arms, hauling her into a tight hug. “Hey, sweetheart. How are you? I hear you’ve been looking after Tobias.”
She smiles. Nods. “Uh-huh. He’s fun. Really smart, too. Mom says he might be starting school with me next week.”
“Is that so?” I release her to ruffle her tangled hair. “I’m not sure that’s the best idea. How will your teachers handle two Torian brats in the one place?”
“I’m not a brat.” She giggles. “Not all the time.”
“I think your father would disagree.”
“Daddy thinks I’m an angel.” She plants a playful punch on my thigh and skips away.
“If that’s the case,” Hunt mutters, “then her dad is a fuckin’ idiot. That girl is the devil.”
I chuckle under my breath. He’s not wrong. On both counts. “You try telling Benji that.”
I return my attention to the reunion. Tobias is enthusiastic with rapid arm movements as he describes the park near Stella’s house, then proceeds to recount the names and descriptions of all the friends he’s made.
Penny takes it all in. She’s parental affection personified. Kind eyes. Energetic nods.
“I’ve got so much to tell you,” Toby rambles. “Oh, I almost forgot.” He leans forward, whispering something in her ear.
Her surge of tension is almost unnoticeable. The stiffening of her spine is minute. But I see it. I see everything.
She glances over her shoulder to me, the brief expression of panic quickly hidden under a fake curve of lips. She leans forward, returning a secret message to the boy’s ear, then pushes to her feet, rubbing his arms in affection. “Don’t fret. There’s nothing to worry about.”
He nods, his bubbly nature returning as he stares up at her. “What about you? What have you done while you’ve been here? Have you seen much of Portland? Did you know I’m going to school next week?” He jolts, as if hit with another truckload of questions. “What about the others? Why aren’t they here? I want to show Chloe a picture I drew.”
She doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t even falter. Not until she opens her mouth. “They’re um…”
“Hey kiddos…” Stella’s mom, Layla, interrupts. “Why don’t the two of you pick where you want to sleep before the adults steal the best rooms?”
“That’s a great idea.” Keira waves them toward the hall. “I’ll help.”