Page 50 of Reconcile

“Good. We’re waiting for you.”

“He’s turning too. Shit.”

“Piper. It’s okay. I promise. No one is going to let him near you.”

I feel like an idiot. I’m so not the girl who needs a white knight or, in this case, knights. But... I’m so glad they’re there.

When I pull into the drive, I see the wall of broad-shouldered men banded together before Sawyer approaches the car and opens my door. I turn my car off, my knees wobbling as I get out of the car and fall into his arms.

Because I was scared, and his arms feel so damn good.

“You okay?” I look up into his dark eyes and shake my head. “I’m being stupid.”

“Fuck that.” Asher approaches just as Caleb’s car parks on the curb. “That’s one dumb motherfucker.”

I shiver when Caleb climbs out of his car, walking toward me, seemingly oblivious to my fear or the men here. “Piper, what the hell?”

Sawyer tucks me behind him just as Lincoln and Hayden approach my date/stalker. “Back in the car, fucker,” Linc directs.

Caleb stops, looking taken aback. “I just want to talk to Piper.”

“Call her on the phone like a normal person,” Asher interjects.

Caleb’s eyes search for me, but I remain behind Sawyer, unable to move. He followed me home. What if I lived alone? What would have happened? Is he dangerous?

I move to Sawyer’s side. “Go away.”

“Go away? We had a nice date, and then you freaked the fuck out on me because I kissed you.”

“I didn’t want to kiss you, and I tried to push you away.”

I feel Sawyer’s arm wrap around my waist, and I lean into him. “Leave.” His voice is controlled, but there’s an edge to it.

“Who the fuck are these men?”

“That’s really not your concern.” Hayden walks to his car, pulling open the driver’s door. “But you should leave before you get well-acquainted with all of us.”

Caleb looks at me incredulously, like he’s waiting for me to say something, but I don’t. He huffs and walks back to his car.

“Fucking cocktease.”

“No means no, asshole,” Linc says as Caleb climbs into his car, and Hayden leans down, speaking too quietly for me to hear.

I turn to look at Sawyer, but he just holds me closer, his eyes on the car. When Caleb finally drives off, I let out a relieved breath. “He knows where I live.”

“Or he thinks you drove to your friend’s house,” Asher supplies.

Sawyer squeezes me closer to his side. “Doesn’t matter, he’d have to be suicidal as fuck to come back here.”

Hayden grins arrogantly. “I don’t think he’ll be back.”

“What did you say to him?” I ask.

He just shrugs. “I was totally nice.” He winks, and I roll my eyes, knowing whatever he said was not nice. And I’m thankful. He turns to Sawyer. “If you’re good, I was in the middle of my own date.”

“Your hand doesn’t count, man.” Asher slaps him on the back, and Hayden chuckles happily.

“More like with your big sis. She’s waiting for me.” He waggles his eyebrows playfully.

---