Page 6 of Under Their Protection

“You’re going to get Mia a murder charge. It’s not a big deal. It’s done and over with now,” I say quietly.

“Woman, I will take that shirt off of you myself,” Mia threatens.

“Fine.” I take my thin white blouse off, leaving me in my bright red camisole to reveal a blackish-purple handprint-shaped bruise.

“Oh, my God,” Mia gasps.

“Jesus, Anika,” Rowan says as he has a hold on my wrist to hold my arm out. In hindsight, I shouldn’t have shown them the texts because now they are both staring at the bruise on my bicep.

“I’m going to fucking kill him,” Mia seethes. She may be four-foot-eleven and hardly one hundred pounds but my God she is scary when she’s mad.

“No one is killing anyone,” I tell her firmly.

“Is she going with you to the family dinner?” Rowan asks.

“Not now,” I say as I take my arm back from Rowan and put my shirt back on.

“Yes the fuck I am,” she declares.

“Mia, they will call the cops on you the second they have a chance, and you know it. I will go and get this shit over with and move on like I’ve done every other time,” I say. “I know you are more than willing to drop-kick a man twice your size, but I won’t let you get yourself in trouble either. You know how my parents are.”

“Fine, then bring Rowan with you,” she says.

“I am a big girl, Mia. I can handle Isaac and my family,” I say.

“You and I both know that based on those texts, he is going to corner you and try to make you talk to him, Ani,” Mia says softer.

“He’s not going to hurt me,” I sigh.

“He already has,” she says, raising her voice. “Pick. Me or Rowan.” I look at Rowan and he has the same tense look on his face.

“You don’t need to be alone with someone who finds it easy to dothat,” Rowan says pointing at my arm.

“You are not coming, Mia,” I tell her again.

“Then Rowan,” Mia says.

“You already know how bad of an idea that is,” I glare at her.

“Why?” Rowan asks.

“Isaac hates you,” Mia tells him.

“Why does he hate me?” he asks, confused.

“He thinks that you two are fucking when you have to leave town. Every time she comes back it ends up in a screaming match because he can’t wrap his tiny brain around people being able to be alone with each other without getting naked,” Mia explains.

“He will blow the fuck up if I walk up in there with Rowan,” I tell Mia.

“You don’t think Rowan can handle him?” Mia asks.

“I’m sure he can, but he shouldn’t have to. It is far easier If I go alone.”

“You are not going alone,” Rowan says.

“Wait a second…” Mia says, glaring at me.

Shit, shit, shit.I’ve already blown my cover story to pieces. I’m too tired to be deceptive.

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