Page 72 of Savage Secrets

“We took care of them too.” Zach’s low response came with new creases around his eyes.

He was suffering for what he’d done. Because of him, Rainie could be tucked into bed tonight with no nightmares. Zach wouldn’t come out of this so easily.

But Opal would be there for him. Forever, if he asked.

Rainie wandered into the kitchen. She looked around for Opal and ran over to her, little bare feet tapping on the floor.

“Momma!”

She bent to pick her up. Then Rainie saw Zach standing so close and leaned over, straining in Opal’s arms.

He patted the child’s back, but Rainie hooked her arm around his neck, yanking him in to form a small unit. A family.

Please let this work with Zach…if it’s right, and I think it is.

“Can I have a sleepover at Paige’s house?”

The room went silent. Every man present knew that a sleepover had kicked off the entire series of events that finally came to an end tonight.

Opal shook her head. “I think the next sleepover will be here, sweetie.”

“Can Zach come?”

She felt a flush climb her cheeks. They burned as she felt every man’s gaze on her and Zach, now in the spotlight.

Breaking the awkward silence, Zach reached out and ruffled Rainie’s hair. “I prefer tea parties, pumpkin.”

Why did his statement leave Opal feeling like she’d been slapped? Her stomach burned. All day while Rainie was missing, she had experienced so much fear. This was a different sort of fear.

Colton shuffled toward the door. “I’m headed back to the Gracey. Guys?” He looked to Hunter, Carver and Ledger.

They said their farewells and took their leave with the WEST Protection team and the sheriff a few steps behind.

* * * * *

The door closed, leaving Zach alone with Opal and Rainie. He felt his throat tighten as she stepped closer. Though he was far from sure of where he stood with her, he had no choice but to make eye contact.

Despite bruises of exhaustion beneath her eyes, the depths were filled with relief and a softness he’d seen there many times.

They stood in awkward silence, unspoken words hanging in the air between them. He swayed. Toward her.

Fuck. How was he ever going to walk away from her? Or from the little girl in her arms? He loved them both, never wanted to give them up.

But the things he’d done tonight…they made himall wrongfor her.

Opal was everything good and love and light. She was everything Zach wasn’t.

She reached out and touched his hand. “Thank you.” Her voice was choked with emotion. “My father’s memory can be laid to rest. My daughter is safe.”

“So are you.” He pulled his hand away from her touch and slipped it into his coat pocket.

Confusion pinched her brows for a moment, then she set Rainie on her feet. “Why don’t we get that cocoa now, sweetie?”

“Yay!” Rainie had all the energy of any three-year-old even though she’d gone through so much today. Thankfully, she didn’t appear to be scarred by the ordeal. If Feldman had harmed a hair on her little head, Zach would never have let the man survive.

Avoiding his glance, Opal started pulling out milk, sugar and chocolate. She added the ingredients to a pot on the range.

“I should go—”

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