Page 7 of Safe and Sound

At the feel of a hand on my back, I whirled around. Callum and Quinn stood ashen faced. A moment passed between the three of us before Quinn walked over to where the rope was tied. Callum bobbed his head at me before bending over to sweep Shannon into his arms.

After Quinn untied the rope, Shannon’s arms flopped down. With my chest still reverberating from my sobs, I stepped forward. I placed my fingers over her eyelids and closed them.

Callum then began walking out of the barn. Quinn and I fell in step behind him. At the first car we came upon, Quinn ran ahead and opened the backseat. Callum gently eased Shannon’s broken and bloodied body inside the car.

After closing the door, Callum turned back to me. Swiping my nose with my sleeve, I stared into his dark eyes shining with a mixture of empathy and rage. “I loved her,” I pronounced.

“I know.”

“She’s dead because of me.”

Grimacing, Callum replied, “I know.”

“I’ll never fucking love another woman,” I vowed. “Not when this family can take her from me.”

“Loving a woman is weakness,” Callum replied.

Quinn shoved Callum. Hard. “Don’t youeverfucking parrot what that bastard says. Love is never a weakness. It’s what makes the three of us strong. It’s what makes our family strong.”

Instead of hitting Quinn back, Callum merely nodded. “You’re right.” He closed the gap between the two of us. Grabbing the sides of my face, Callum brought my forehead down to his. “One day I’ll end him. I promise you that.”

“And I’ll help him,” Quinn added.

“You fuckers better let me have a go.”

“You bet.” Nodding at Quinn, Callum said, “Let’s get her home.”

I shook my head. “No. I should do it.”

Quinn placed a hand on my shoulder. “You’ve been through enough tonight.”

“But it’s my responsibility.”I sucked in a harsh breath.“She’smy responsibility,” I protested.

After exchanging a glance with Quinn, Callum said, “At least let us go with you.”

“Aye, I would appreciate that.”

Grabbing me by the nape of the neck, Callum dragged my forehead to his. “You aren’t alone tonight or any other night, boyo.”

Quinn nodded. “We’re all in this fucked up life together.”

“All for one and one for all, eh?” I mused.

“Always.”

It would only be through the strength of my brothers that I wouldn’t end it all.

Chapter One: Dare

Present Day

Boston

With my chest heaving, I jerked awake from the familiar nightmare involving Shannon’s murder. Despite all the time that had passed, the metallic smell of blood, coupled with the acrid aroma of pistol fire, still assaulted my nose. The same icy fear curled around me, sending shudders ricocheting through my body.

Thirteen fucking years of nightmares.

Thirteen fucking years of honoring my promise to never love another woman.

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