Page 142 of Brutal Savage

He nods, and Tynan kisses his forehead before he drops him to his feet.

Ruby immediately takes his hand and starts leading him inside, trying to change his mood. “They’re nice and warm. I just got them out of the oven.”

Once they’re inside, Tynan turns to his brothers and father. “Did you get anything from Grant?”

“Yeah. He says the car was registered to a Jerry Baker.”

I gasp, my heart hammering, eyes glossing over as I trip backward a step, unable to breathe.

He wanted me to know. It’s why he made sure he drove a car he was tied to.

Jerry wanted me to know it was him.

He’s taunting me.

“Elara, you’re okay. He won’t touch you.”

I hear him, feel his hands on me, yet I’m not here. I’m there, back when I was Jerry’s.

The world around me starts to spin.

I can’t let him find me. I can’t let him hurt Brody or Tynan. I have to run again. There’s no other choice.

“Elara? Do you hear me?” He still sounds distant, yet growing nearer. “Elara.” His hand cups my face.

“Hmm?” I pant, focusing on his face as I blink faster. “Yeah, sorry.” I swallow down my fear as everyone stares at me.

“I’m gonna take her inside. She’s shaken up. I’ll catch up with you guys later.”

“Alright, son,” Patrick says. “You call us if you need anything.”

“Yeah, thanks, Dad.”

He hooks his arm through mine and leads us inside the home. My pulse slams in my ears, the start of a headache forming in my temples.

With a gentle hold, he takes me up the stairs and to our bedroom, carefully settling me on the edge of the bed. “I’m gonna get you some water.”

He leaves me for a moment, and I repeatedly draw air into my lungs, hating that I have to drag him into my hell.

This is why I wanted to be alone. I didn’t want to involve anyone else in my past. But here we are, and there’s no hiding any longer.

He returns a moment later, a bottle of water in his outstretched hand. “Drink, baby.”

I take the cold liquid from him, already opened, and consume half the bottle, not realizing how dry my mouth was.

He takes it from me and places it on the nightstand, clasping both my hands in his. “Look at me, Elara.”

My lashes flutter, fresh tears gathering in my eyes.

“I’m sorry,” I cry. “I really am. You didn’t ask for this. Neither did Brody. I think?—”

“You think what?” He searches my gaze, and I find it hard to say the rest out loud, wanting so badly to stay here with him and the boy I love.

“I think it’s better if I go. Today. I don’t want you or?—”

“If you think…” His jaw clenches like he finds it hard to finish. “If you think I’d let you leave us, you don’t know me.” He clasps the back of my head and stares down into my eyes, and it’s like he’s seeing into my soul. “I’m never letting you go, Elara Quinn.” He lowers to his knees, his mouth nearing until his lips brush mine. “Ever. And if you try to run, I’m gonna find you, and I’ll bring you right back to me.”

I let out a sob and throw my arms around him, smashing my lips to his.

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