Page 158 of Heart of Frost and Scars

“They’re on their way home.”

She closes her eyes, releasing a long, deep breath as if she was holding it all night. “Thank you.”

“No need to thank me.”

Thirty minutes later, I find myself standing on the dock beside her, the cool breeze off the water a welcome respite from the heat of the day.

When they arrive, I’ll lose her attention. All her energy will narrow on them. At least, that’s how it usually goes.

Except today feels different. Today, a sense of anticipation charges the air, a feeling that something is about to change.

When the boat finally arrives, I watch Leo and Kody disembark, their expressions weary but determined to move past their mistake.

Leo hugs her first. When he releases her into Kody’s arms, he approaches me.

“Thank you.” He maintains eye contact, a silent assertion of his sincerity. “I know you pulled strings and got us released early.”

“My attorneys—”

“You pay their wages. We fucked up, and you paid for it.”

“I helped you when you needed it. That’s what family does. But you already know that.” My eyes flit between him and Kody. “You do that for each other.”

“We would do it for you, too.” Kody paces toward me and claps me on the neck. “Thank you.”

His touch is a brand, a symbol of acceptance. I don’t hate it.

We make our way back to the estate. Oliver has prepared lunch, and we sit together, the conversation flowing easily despite the subject matter.

I update them on my decision to hire Wilson and tell them everything I discussed with him.

“You trust him?” She looks at me with those huge green eyes, making my pulse thrum.

“Yeah. I do.”

“Okay.” She pushes her empty plate away and stares at each of us. “We need to talk.”

“What is it?” I lean back in the chair, steeling myself.

“I know that all of you don’t like therapy, but you need it.” She holds up a finger. “Doyle doesn’t count. You’re not opening up to him. You’re threatening him. He gave me some referrals. For us to move forward, I want all three of you to see someone else. Someone you trust and respect.”

“We can work on our anger without confiding in a stranger.” Leo runs a hand through his hair.

“That’s not true.” She sets her jaw. “It’s not just your anger. It’s everything you’ve been through. Please. I want you to get help.”

“No.” Kody stands abruptly. “Instead of focusing on taming us into polished, trained men that you can take into public, how about we hunt down the motherfucker who’s stalking you?”

“I don’t want to tame you.” Her eyes flash. “I want to keep you out of jail.”

“Where did you sleep last night?”

“Upstairs.” She sits taller, holding his glare.

“Alone?”

“Monty slept beside me.” Her neck stiffens. “He didn’t touch me.”

He doesn’t spare me a glance. Turning on his heel, he storms out of the dining room, his gait silent through the house. The front door slams behind him, making her jump. His attitude pisses me off.

---