Page 63 of Rescued Faith

“Jude was talking to her on the phone. She’s at your parents’ house already.”

That was a small relief. The police cars behind them all had their sirens and lights on. Bryce ran a red light, hoping with the sirens right behind him, traffic would be stopped. Finally he turned onto the road his parents lived on. Just a few more blocks.

The outdoor lights were on, the living room window lit. His tires squealed as he yanked the wheel and skidded into the driveway. He didn’t even have the truck in Park before Penny was out the door running. He threw the gear shift into Park and leaped out after her. The other police cars pulled up.

“Mom! Dad!” His pulse roared in his head too fast and too loud. He strained to hear his mom’s voice. “Andi!”

Penny had her gun out and was at the front door, pounding.

The door opened. “Everything’s fine. We’re okay.” It was Andi.

Bryce grabbed his little sister and wrapped her in a tight bear hug. “You’re all right?”

“Yes, we’re fine. Jude called. I got Mom and Dad hiding back in their bathroom like he said.”

Oh, thank God.

Bryce dropped a light kiss on her head. “Good job, sis.”

Other police cars and Jude’s SUV filled in the driveway and street.

“Andi?”

At the sound of Jude’s voice, Bryce released his sister. She ran to her husband and kissed him in the middle of the front lawn. Bryce looked away. Penny stood by the door, waiting for him. Now that he knew his family was safe, he wanted his own moment. With her. But there were more important things first, so it would have to wait.

He walked inside the house with Penny. “I should go tell Mom and Dad it’s okay to come out now.”

“I’ll come with you. We’re going to have to get them somewhere safe for a few days. The cops will need to clear the house. It will be less upsetting for your dad if he’s not here.”

“I’ve got a friend with a cabin a couple hours away. Mom can take Dad there.”

“What about you? Maybe you should go too.” Penny paused in the hallway outside the bedroom.

“I’m not running away from this guy.”

She laid a hand on his chest. “Bryce, he’s dangerous. Look at what he’s already?—”

“I’m not going anywhere, Penny.” He covered her hand with his own. “You know me better than that.”

She rolled her eyes a little and chuckled. “Yeah, I do. You’re too stubborn for your own good, you know.”

“You were worried about me earlier, huh? Back at the club.”

“I thought you’d been shot. Of course I was worried.” She started to tug her hand away, but he held it fast.

“Youcareabout me.”

“It’s my job to care. To protect.”

“That kiss said it was more. Why are you denying it?”

“Bryce, I can’t do this right now.”

“Then when? Because I mean it. I’m not going anywhere. I want to be with you. Let’s see what we can be together.”

He could see all the emotions flashing across her face. She opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

“Give me a chance. Please.” If it was wrong for a grown man to beg, so be it.

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