Page 108 of The Forever Play

Which is why after I direct Wily to the closest parking spot, I say, “You guys can wait here if you want. I’ll be as fast as I can.”

They both snicker like I just said something funny and then open their respective doors.

I frown, worry taking huge chunks out of my stomach as I shuffle to the front door on stiff legs.

Walking up the two front steps, I knock on the door, then let myself in.

“Russell?” I call, creeping slowly into the house. “It’s me.”

“Thank God,” I hear muttered from the hallway, and then he appears, pushing up his shirt sleeves with a smile, until he notices the two big guys behind me. “Where’s Zoey?”

I swallow, fidgeting with my fingers as I reply in barely a whisper. “She’s with Zander.”

“What!” His bark is fierce, and I flinch in spite of the fact that I’m trying to be brave. I don’t want to get into another argument with him.

I hate feeling this fragile, but this morning has totally thrown me.

“Sienna, how could you leave our girl with that jackass?”

Closing my eyes, I hold fast to the anger spiking through me. “He’s her father, and he’s really good with her. I trust him.”

He scoffs like I’m insane, then flicks his hand at the muscle standing behind me. “And who the fuck are these guys? I didn’t invite you into my house. Get the hell out of here!”

“Russell.” I raise my hands to try and calm him. “They’re just here to help me carry some stuff, okay?”

“Carry stuff?” His incredulous expression would be funny if I didn’t know there was a volcanic eruption brewing.

God, help me!

Licking my lips, I shuffle back until I can feel Wily’s hand lightly steady my lower back.

“She’s staying the night at our place,” a low voice rumbles behind me.

I glance over my shoulder and look up at Tyrell. His steely expression leaves no room for argument, and Ipractically shudder with relief until Russell starts barking.

“The fuck she is! Zoey is not spending the night at some football frat house. Sienna, are you out of your fucking mind?” He starts tapping the side of his head and thunders toward me. “You can’t do this. She belongs here. With me. Are you seriously saying you’re going to make her spend the night with a bunch of idiot football players?”

“She’s safe. And they’re not idiots.”

“You don’t even know them!”

“I feel like I don’t know you right now!” I bite back and go to move around him, but he cinches my arm and tugs me toward him.

“Just listen to me. I?—”

“Don’t touch her.” Tyrell’s soft growl is about as chilling as the death glare on Wily’s face right now.

I didn’t even know the friendly blond was capable of such an expression, but my eyes round as he moves toward us like lightning and quickly wrenches Russell off me.

“Hey,” Russell snaps. “Watch it. I’ll report you to campus police if you’re not careful. Or better yet, I’ll call the fucking cops. You two are trespassing right now. I didn’t invite you into my home, so get the fuck out.”

“We’re not leaving her alone with you, and if the cops show up, I can tell them exactly how you’re manhandling this woman and scaring her,” Wily argues.

Russell lifts his chin, his nostrils flaring as he points between the two of them. “This is none of your business.”

He looks so short next to them it almost makes me laugh. Almost.

Inching farther away, I cross my arms and watch his eyes flash bright with anger.

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