his boss. He’s not the one patting down Luther or Chris—that task is left to Cole.
It isn’t until the cold eyes of his son hit me that apprehension truly takes hold.
He’s so much bigger than I am. And from memory, Luca was even larger in frame. Those meaty fists could knock me unconscious in seconds. Those hands could snap my neck in an instant.
“If you came to talk,” Cole mutters, “why did you bring a woman and child as a shield?”
“A shield.” Luther balks. “Do I need one against my own son? Because I brought her here as a peace offering. The woman is yours.”
I’m shoved toward Cole, my footsteps fumbling.
“You’re handing her over?” He scrutinizes me.
The weight of his appraisal is heavy. Cloying. The pinpoint focus makes me itch to brush my fingers over the hidden plastic tube to make sure it’s not going to fall from my waistband.
I drag my gaze away to stop the nervousness from taking hold. I return my focus to the island. I work harder to find a man hiding in the scrub as Luther attempts to manipulate his son into inviting us up to the house, using Tobias’s fatigue as an excuse.
They continue to argue under a tone of barely contained civility until finally Cole complies with a, “Fine. Go ahead.”
He indicates for me to start walking. For me to lead us into battle.
I don’t move.
Unease hits me like a freight train.
“Penny.” Luther waves a hand, instructing me to hurry. “You first, my sweet.”
My pulse catches at the endearment. No, it’s a blatant warning.
I have no choice but to obey. I have to do this to regain my position of menial power. To reassert my strength.
Fuck.
I hold out a hand for Tobias, who walks forward to join me, then we both lead the way to the end of the pier and onto the island.
Murmured words carry from behind us, the subtle timbre letting me know everything remains faux civil as I make my way toward the light of the house up ahead.
Tobias keeps glancing over his shoulder, watching, waiting. I clutch his hand tighter, attempting to calm the tremble of his fingers. It’s the only comfort I can provide. There’s nothing else.
I can’t gush soothing words. I’m unable to lie to him anymore. I can only attempt to give reassurance in the tightness of my hold as we continue along a winding gravel path, bringing us closer and closer to the large expanse of a mansion up ahead.
I take us into a house yard, my feet hitting cool cement tile placed around an immaculate pool.
“I’m scared,” Tobias whispers. “I want to go home.”
Me too.
“Be strong.” I squeeze his sweaty palm tighter. “This will all be over soon.”
I reach the glass door leading to the brightly lit living area and stop to wait for instruction.
“Go.” Luther comes up behind me, shooing me forward. “Get inside.”
“Wait,” Cole barks. “You, the woman, and the kid can go inside, but your dog isn’t welcome.”
The demand twists my stomach.
I look at Chris—the dog. Disdain crosses his features as I wait for Luther to voice a reprimand that never comes.
I’ve never seen anyone disrespect this monster and get away with it. Not once. Not ever.
“Whatever you say,” Luther complies.
It’s an act. One I can’t mimic.
“I guess I’ll stay here then.” Chris steps away. “Just so you can feel like more of a man for keeping me outside.”
Cole claps him on the shoulder as he approaches the house. “If I were you, I wouldn’t forget your best buddy ate lead yesterday because of me.”
I suck in a breath as white noise assaults me.
Everything stops.
Every. Single. Thing.
Thoughts. Breath. Time.
I glance between the two men as they exchange muttered retorts my mind can’t decipher. I’m stunned. Confused. And painfully hopeful.
Your best buddy ate lead.
Should I allow myself the luxury of believing the comment was made about Robert? That the vile, piece of shit might actually be hurt? Or better yet, dead?
He didn’t return home with Chris and Luther.
They haven’t made mention of him at all.
My stomach heats, the warmth spreading rapidly as Luther stalks toward me, his glare enough of a warning to get me to hustle my ass inside while Chris and Cole continue to swap barbs.
I don’t allow hope free rein as I walk into the opulent house. I keep optimism’s wings clipped as I take in the open living and kitchen area, the entire space immaculate apart from a few mugs on the dining table.