Page 53 of Ruthless

“What do you think happened to them?” I know better than to admit outright what happened. I may have only been four, but Connor and Rory told me and swore me to secrecy. “There’s a reason my dad has the reputation he does.” I shrug.

“Good,” Zane grunts.

And that’s the end of our conversation. We drive in comfortable silence the rest of the way back to the Savage property. A sense of relief fills me that I could share my upbringing with Zane, and he listened without judgment. And I am beyond relieved that we weren’t shot at once the entire drive over.

When we pull up the long dirt drive, Zane parks my car right in front of the porch where Kelsey and Charlee are sitting and waiting. Lily is nowhere in sight, so she must be down for a nap. With all I’ve been through today thus far, I have half a mind to join her.

I move to get out, but Zane stops me. “Stay there.” When I give him a blank expression, he explains, “I’ll come around and get your door.”

“I can do it.” I attempt to reason with him, but he isn’t having it.

“Please, let me do this. For my peace of mind.” His blue eyes hold mine, his expression saying everything his mouth isn’t.

“Okay.” I sag against my seat and watch him climb out of my Civic. It almost feels like I’m watching childbirth as he contorts himself in half out from under the steering wheel to make it out of the small space. After some growling and grunting, he’s out and around to my side of the vehicle. His long hair blows across his back as he opens my door. I hear Charlee and Kelsey laughing behind me, and I can’t help but join in.

The second I set foot on the Georgia clay, he interlocks his fingers with mine. It’s safe to say that since we left my apartment complex, he hasn’t wanted me out of his sight. He takes one look at my face and shakes his head, but not before I see the corner of his mouth twitch.

Axel’s truck pulls up next to the front of Asher’s house. He’s out and headed our way, leaving Isaac and Asher standing next to the truck and deep in conversation. Whatever is being said must be intense, judging by their stiff body language.

“Thank fuck I’m out of there.” Axel pulls a cigarette out of the pack he draws from his back pocket and shakes his head. He pinches the end between his lips and goes to light it, but Zane yanks it from his mouth before he can and tosses it to the ground.

“What did I tell you about lighting up in front of Ken?” Zane smacks him upside his head.

“Shit. I forgot again. I’m sorry, Short Stack.” Axel smacks the side of his head.

“It’s fine.” I wave him off, but Zane isn’t having it.

“What the fuck do you me ‘again’?” Zane pushes his shoulders back and stares down his baby brother.

Axel’s eyes widen as he realizes his slip up. “Umm.” He scratches the side of his cheek, doing what he can to stall and come up with an explanation. “Did I say that?”

“Yeah, you did.”

Axel’s blue eyes drift to mine, and I can’t help but feel bad for him, so I do what any good sister-in-law would do and take one for the team.

“Oh no.” I hunch over and place my hand on my stomach like I’m going to be sick.

“What’s wrong?” All of Zane’s focus shifts to me. “Are you going to throw up again?”

Axel catches on to what I’m doing and calls out, “Wildcat!” As he passes me to go to Kelsey, he whispers in my ear, “I owe you one.”

“No. I’m feeling a little lightheaded.”

Zane’s eyes narrow as he tilts his head to the side, studying me. “That right?”

“Mmhmm.” I suck in a deep breath and do my best to sell it.

“Then why are you holding your stomach if it’s your head?” he asks.

Well, shit. He’s got me there.

Zane shakes his head, but I can see the slight humor behind his eyes. “I’m in a fuck load of trouble if you’re already covering for Axel.”

I shrug and open my mouth to explain when Asher’s raised voice catches our attention.

Zane glances over to Asher and Isaac, working out something inside his head. The cords of his neck are tense as he absently twists my wedding ring around my finger. He watches Isaac’s every move like a predator, waiting to pounce on him at any moment.

“You sure it was safe to bring him here?” They had no problem driving him over here, but seeing the expression on Zane’s face, I’m having second thoughts about this.

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