Page 217 of Sin With Me

Chapter30

Emma

By the timewe got to the Waters farm, the family home was engulfed in flames. While the glow could be spotted from further away, the flames came into view as soon as we passed the forest. When Eric pulled out onto the main road, I didn’t expect there to be much left of the house. I wasn’t sure how Eric managed to drive with so much composure – or maybe it was the adrenaline feeding him – but I’d never seen him weave on the road past all holes and mounds so quickly.

“Eric, slow down, please.”

“I’m not going to crash, Emma. I just need to get there.” We were lucky enough to find Mr. Front, the butcher, along the way. He lent us his truck.

“I understand.”

I didn’t say another word until he pulled up behind over a dozen cars. The fire truck had run out of water and was turning around to get more from the lake. In a town this small, there were no hydrants or sufficient safety measures to fight these kind of blazes.

“Stay in the car,” he ordered.

Like hell Iwill.

As soon as he ran off toward the fire, I stepped out of the car. My feet ached as I stumbled forward, skipping over every second step after him. Julian was the first to see me and he ran over, lifting me into hisarms.

“You all right, Em?”

“Yeah, just a nasty cut on my foot. Huntz isdead.”

“Something tells me there’s more to that story.”

“We’ll chat when this is over. Bring me to Eric, please.”

Julian carried me to where Eric was standing, pulling on his hair. His chest was rising and falling so quickly, I thought he might have a heart attack.

“You were supposed to stay in the car.” Eric’s brows furrowed.

Julian laughed. “I thought you already knew how well Emma listens.” But I don’t think Eric heard him. He just stood there, hopeless and speechless. All I wanted to do was holdhim.

“Casualties?” I whispered into Julian’sear.

“None.”

“Then maybe someone should tellhim!”

Tristan put his arm around Eric, saying, “Don’t worry, walls can be rebuilt; lives can’t. We got here just in time. The ambulance took your parents to the hospital.”

“You mean, they’re alive?” Eric’s jaw droppedopen.

“Yes, although they’re in critical condition. Huntz took some anger out on your father, but they’re in good hands.”

I’d never seen a man fall to his feet and cry sohard.

“Let me down, Julian. Please let medown.”

My brother set me down by Eric. I took him into my arms and hugged him as tightly as I could from the side. Once he composed the first wave of emotion, Eric must have gotten another kick of adrenaline. I nodded, looking at his face, and said, “It’s time to go. There’s nothing you can do herenow.”

Max, the family dog found us, and buried his head in Eric’slap.

His friend Derek who was standing nearby, coughing into his sleeve, added, “She’s right, Eric, you need to go to the hospitaltoo.”

“Where’s Hunter?”

“We sent him off in one of the ambulances as well.” Julian tapped me on my shoulder. “Come on, Em. We’ll take you guys. It’s over an hour drive.”

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