Taking It Slow - Reese Knightley Page 0,24

From there, he marched the fucker down the hallway and into the entryway and shoved him into a chair.

“Sit there.”

“They’re on their way,” Jason said, following him to the entryway where Jason took it upon himself to train his weapon on Heath.

Spencer stepped up to Heath and for good measure, he zip-tied the man’s hands to the chair behind him.

“Don’t fucking move. If you make me come back here, you’ll regret it.” He leveled a hard gaze at Heath. The asshole had the presence of mind to nod yes.

He turned to where Liam stood glaring at Rick.

“You’re out,” Liam told Rick.

“You’ve been waiting for this day since I got out of prison,” Rick snapped.

“No, you’re wrong. I wanted to give you a chance. Now, I want you gone.”

“Without letting me explain?” Rick gaped at him.

Liam clenched his jaw and pointed at Heath. “He goes to jail, and you and I will talk.”

“I didn’t do nothing!” Heath growled from behind them.

“You assaulted an officer in the United States Army.” Spencer turned and gave Heath a death glare until the guy looked away.

Spencer wanted to snap the fucker’s neck. He drew some small satisfaction that the guy’s chin was swelling where Liam had clipped him. Not even thinking about it, he closed his hand gently around Liam’s bicep and guided the colonel toward the door.

Rick trailed after them.

“Where are you going?” Rick asked.

“Home. I’ll deal with you later,” Liam growled.

Spencer met Jason’s gaze. “You good?”

“Yeah. Ex-marine, I’m good,” Jason smirked.

“You,” Spencer turned on Rick and he stumbled, “get out and sit on the steps.”

“Wait a damn minute…”

“Do you want me to cuff you?”

Rick’s face paled and he slowly sank to the front steps.

“I got this,” Jason said. “Go on. I’ll come over when the cops get here.”

Spencer didn’t wait any longer, he caught up with Liam at his front porch.

“You sure you’re okay?” he asked when Liam winced taking the steps.

Reaching the landing, Liam took a deep breath and then offered him a slight smile.

“Just my pride,” Liam murmured.

“Fuck that. You were sucker punched and he held nothing back. Nobody could have predicted that.”

“Thanks,” Liam wryly grimaced.

Spencer swallowed hard, tempted to go back inside and finish that fucker off.

“Let’s do a quick check at the ER just to be safe,” he urged.

“No. I’m going to get into my swim trunks and sit in the jacuzzi. I’ve had far worse,” Liam frowned.

“I’m going to at least call Oliver.” Infinity’s medic lived nearby.

“Spencer,” Liam stopped and snapped at him, “you’re overreacting.”

Was he? He swallowed and released Liam’s arm before rubbing both of his hands down his jeans. He averted his gaze. Maybe he was, damn it, but he was calling Oliver anyway.

They reached the door to Liam’s home and all the kids came flying out. Jessica ran into Liam’s arms.

“Are you okay?” Wesley’s voice wobbled. Spencer pulled his brother into his arms and hugged him tightly.

“We’re fine,” he whispered, and Wesley gave a jagged sigh of relief.

Adam reached out and placed a hand on Liam’s arm as if the touch of his cousin would make things all right.

“Yeah.” Liam’s voice sounded hoarse. “We’re good.”

When Liam grimaced, Spencer released his brother and then urged them all back into the house. “Okay, come on. Let’s get inside.”

“We’re not going back there, are we, Uncle Liam?” Adam’s voice shook.

“No, we’ll get your stuff later,” Liam ordered and slowly made his way to the kitchen. He slid onto a stool and Spencer rummaged in the freezer for an icepack.

Anna came in with some pain relievers and filled a glass of water for Liam.

“Are you okay, Mr. Cobalt?” Her worried brown gaze searched Liam’s face.

“I’m fine, Anna. If you could get the teenagers settled and then put in a call to Mrs. Walters, I’d be grateful. Tell her to please report here tomorrow.”

“Perfect,” she said solemnly and left to get the kids situated.

“Thanks,” Liam mumbled, not taking the pills. If he had a concussion, he’d best not take anything. He did, however, take the icepack and held it on his jaw and cheekbone.

“I wish I would have knocked that fucker out,” Spencer muttered.

“I’m glad you came when you did,” Liam replied as he lifted the ice, probing at his jaw before replacing it.

“That guy has about fifty pounds on you, and he came around unexpectedly. I would have had trouble avoiding him in the same situation,” Spencer pointed out, leaning on the counter across from Liam.

“Bullshit, you dodged his first swing just fine,” Liam scowled.

Spencer didn’t know what to