Page 50 of Property of Spike

“It’s okay, Abby,” I sigh, holding her a little tighter. “You’re safe here. I promise.Nothingcan touch you inside these walls.”

She lets out a shuddering breath, pressing her face against my chest. “I’ve missed you, Bubby,” she whispers. “I’m sorry that I’m so scared to be here. But, at the same time, I’mreallyhappy.”

“And I’ve missed you,” I murmur, resting my chin on the top of Abigail’s head. “I was planning a trip out there for Christmas, but that was too damn long of a wait. Youdorealize you’re not leaving now, right?”

She nods against my chest, letting out a small laugh.

“I figured,” she admits. “And I’m okay with that. I love our brother, but he doesn’t make me feel as safe as you do.”

I close my eyes for half a second, exhaling slowly.

I have to remind myself that the person who hurt my baby sister isdead…by my own hands. But the thought never seems to calm me.

Because the damage was already done.

“Come,” I say, pulling back. “I want to introduce you to someone.”

Gripping her elbow, I lead her toward Riley, who’s standing quietly, watching us with soft eyes.

“Abigail, this is my ol’ lady, Riley. Baby, my little sister, Abigail.”

Abby gives Riley a warm smile, holding out her hand. “Goodness, just call me Abby. I sure hope my brother dealt with whoever did that to you.”

The reminder of the bruises on my woman reignite the fire inside of me.

“Not yet,” I growl. “But I will.”

“It’s nice to meet you, Abby,” Riley says, her voice gentle, ignoring my vow. There’s a brief hesitation, but then she reaches out and quickly shakes Abby’s hand.

“I can’t believe someonefinallycaught my brother’s attention,” Abby teases, grinning at Riley before shooting me a playful side-eye. “I mean, you’re so beautiful, it’s no wonder.”

Riley blushes, glancing away for a second. “I was just thinking the same thing about you. Is your hair naturally that blonde? It’s almost white. And your eyes are so blue that I can practically see the waves of the ocean in them.”

Abby laughs, running a hand through her hair. “It is my natural color. Believe it or not, I was born with dark hair. It just changed over the years. I usually keep it tied up to give it some dimension, but my head’s been killing me, so I let it down.”

“You should keep it that way,” Riley says softly. “It’s stunning.”

Abby beams at her, and for the first time in what feels like years, something in my chest eases.

Then, her expression shifts. She tilts her head slightly, brows pinching together as she studies Riley. “Why are your eyes so sad?”

Riley freezes, and I see it. The guilt.For just a moment, she’d let herself forget. Let herself enjoy a simple conversation. And now, she looks like she wants to apologize for it.

She hasnothingto be sorry for.

I step in before she drowns in it. “I’m afraid you’ve come to us at a rather hard time, baby sister. Let’s go to my office, and we’ll update you…”

“My son has been taken by his father,” Riley blurts before I can take a single step.

Abby’s eyes widen, shock flickering across her face before her gaze fills with tears.

“He’s not even two weeks old,” Riley continues, her voice tight. “He’s the same reason I’m black and blue.”

Abby’s bottom lip trembles, her tears slipping free. Always so damn sensitive to other people’s pain, my baby sister.

“Can’t you get him back?” she asks, her voice barely above a whisper.

I tighten my arm around Riley, holding her steady as I meet Abby’s gaze.

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