Page 59 of Silver Linings

“She’s with Stone.”

“I was so worried…He tried to take me.” She snuggled down further into his chest, tightening her arms around his waist.

“Someone tried to take you? Jesus. Who, Lil?”

“T-there was a man. He tried to drag me into the woods, but I slammed my foot into his shin and bit his hand. It was covering my mouth.”

“What the fuck? Did he say anything to you?”

“Hey! Are you guys okay?” Hawk called out as he and Gage ran towards them.

Gunner didn’t respond, other than to hold up his hand in a silent gesture to say that he didn’t know yet.

“He said that what he was going to do to me would be fun. That I’d like it.”

Gunner’s eyes snapped to Gage and Hawk’s.

“Fuck,” Gage mumbled.

“Let’s figure out the best way to pack up and have everyone head back to the apartments,” Hawk said as his eyes scanned the park.

“I’m so sorry,” Lily whispered, “I didn’t have my ring on because my fingers were swollen this morning and I couldn’t find the silicone band you got me before. I know it’s packed somewhere, but I haven’t had the time yet to get everything sorted.”

“I don’t care that you weren’t wearing your ring. We’re married, if it’s on your finger or not.”

“I know, Gunner. It’s just…the man. He said that I’d enjoy what he was going to do because I clearly was looking to cheat on you. He noticed I wasn’t wearing a ring.”

The hair on the back of Gunner’s neck stood up. It wasn’t random. The man had to have been watching Lily, otherwise how would he know they were married? Gunner pulled her back into his embrace and walked her over to the picnic tables.

“Sit and let me see your hands.” Lily held them out in front of her. “They still seem swollen. How are your feet? Your ankles? Do you have a headache or any nausea? Maybe Stone should come over here and check you over.”

There was a reason Stone’s nickname was Doc. He’d been the team’s medic and had saved Gunner’s ass more than once in sticky situations. He trusted Stone to handle whatever might be going on medically with Lily.

“I’m fine, Gunner. I promise. That man putting his hands on me just threw me off. Otherwise, I’m okay.”

“No.” Gunner laced his fingers through Lily’s. “Just try to take some deep breaths.”

He had his phone out and up to his ear a second later. Stone answered after the first ring.

“What’s going on, Reap?”

“Can you grab Mae and come over to the picnic tables?”

“Yeah, I’ll bring Mae and Sage right over. Is Lily okay?”

“I’ll explain when you get here.”

“Sure thing.”

He ended the call and shoved the phone back into his pocket before sitting down next to Lily.

“Gunner, you don’t need to fuss over me. I’ve stayed on top of my medication and I’m fine.”

“Let Doc tell us that, okay?” He sat next to Lily and ran his thumb over her skin. How close had he just been to losing her again? If the fucker who touched her caused her blood pressure to go high, he’d hunt him down and enjoy ending his pathetic life. Not that it wasn’t the plan right now, regardless.

“Sage!” Lily’s eyes filled with tears as Mae walked up with their daughter.

“What’s going on?” Stone asked.

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