Page 66 of Fractured Fear

“Did you ever tell anyone?”

“Yes.”

“Mama. I need more. You’re not in trouble here.”

Another deep breath. “I told the police. I’ve filed multiple reports, but I was always told there was nothing they could do because the texts never contained ‘real’ threats.”

“What do you mean?” Rio sneers.

“The police I talked to said Anthony never threatened to kill me so they couldn’t do more than file a report.”

“Pendejos!” Rio turns to Zane. “I’ll pull the case files and check it out.”

“Who were the officers you talked to?” Zane asks.

“Officers Dustin Cox and Troy Dick.”

Zane tilts his head. “You don’t need to double check that?”

“No. I’ll never forget them. They told me to let it go and not to worry about Anthony,” a shiver runs down my spine. “They said the texts weren’t a priority.”

“They said that?” The veins in Zane’s neck strain. “I’ll talk to them. I know them. Annoying fucks.”

The way he says “talk” sounds like there may not be much talking. This version of Zane is kind of terrifying, but that doesn’t stop me from leaning towards him and cupping his face.

“It’s okay, Zane. I’ll be okay.” I flip a switch and project a calm demeanor. They can’t suspect anything is amiss. I can’t let them know my plans. If they know then they’ll stop me.

“It’s not okay, Spencer, but it will be,” he reaches for my glass and hands it to me. “Here. Drink your water.”

But, of course, I don’t grab the cup right. My hands are still shaking, and it slips from my grasp.

“Oh my God! I’m so sorry!” I jump up to grab napkins or anything to stop the water, but all three men are frozen and staring at me.

What the hell? It’s just some water.

That’s when I notice their eyes aren’t on my face. They’re a little lower.

Oh for fuck’s sake.

I look down and yep. My white T-shirt is now see through, and you can clearly see my hunter green lacy bra. Fuck laundryday for making me pair a dark bra and a white top in the first place.

I hurry to cover up by crossing my arms and can feel the heat in my face as I burn with embarrassment.

Covering up gets them all to spring into action. Rio rips off his jacket and throws it over my shoulders while Zane jumps up from the ground and rushes to the kitchen grabbing some napkins, but Asher still stares gobsmacked.

Rio guides me back onto the couch with his arm around me and I refuse to make eye contact. I can answer any other questions they have staring at my lap. It’ll be awkward, but there’s no way in hell I’ll ever be able to look these men in the face ever again. They’re all about to get well acquainted with the top of my head.

“Spencer,” Rio says, trying to get my attention.

“Mama,” Rio tries again. This time he uses his other hand to lift my chin forcing me to look at him. The action makes my insides melt and my panties dampen.

There’s humor in his eyes. I can tell he’s trying not to laugh, but there’s also something else. Desire?

He smiles at me and I do my best not to smile back, but it’s difficult. His smile is contagious just like his laugh. When I’m finally smiling back, he says to the room, “Now can we finish this without anyone trying to look at my client’s bra?”

“Client?” My voice is high-pitched with surprise.

“You’re officially mine, Mama.”

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