Page 14 of Viktor

Sara hated putting her mother in this position, but neither was she repeating Gabe’s story about his last domestic violence client. It would only cause undue stress on her mom.

“I’m surprised Delia liked him so much.” Sue Anne took the soup off the hot eye so it could cool enough to transfer to a serving dish. “Considering everything she just went through with Roger.”

“I think Viktor makes her feel safe.” Sara smiled thinking about how serious Delia and Viktor’s conversation had been that first morning at breakfast.

“I don’t know how.”

“She’s always been a little skittish of men. I’m just grateful she’s found one man besides Dad and her uncle who she hasn’t run from. I don’t want her growing up thinking all men are bastards.”

“Most menarebastards.”

“Dad’s a catch.” Sara finished the salad and started to set the table, including a place for Gabe, since he would be here until Victor arrived.

“Ha, your father has his moments. There’s been quite a few times I’ve kicked him to the couch over the years.”

“Mrs. Riley,” Gabe called from the front of the house, “there’s someone pulling into the drive.”

It was too early for Victor to be here. He had to drive all the way from South Carolina. Curious, Sara put down the plate she was holding and walked outside to where Gabe stood staring at the blue Chevy truck.

It was a truck she knew well, since it belonged to Roger. Her insides clenched, trepidation rolling through every inch of her. What was he doing here? Roger knew coming within five hundred yards of her or Delia was violating the restraining order.

It wasn’t Roger who stepped out of the truck, though. It was his brother, Ben. He was a younger version of his brother with the same brown hair and eyes. He could charm an old lady right out of her Sunday church money if he wanted to, and that was where the similarities ended. Ben was a decent kid. At barely twenty, he was more honorable than Roger would ever be in his entire wretched life.

“Hey, sugar, I just got back from my fishing trip. I found the cutest little pink fishing pole that will fit Delia’s hand just right. I was hoping me and her could go fishing this Saturday, if that’s all right with you.”

“Ben, did Roger tell you what happened while you were gone?”

Ben frowned, shaking his head. “No. I just got back and stopped by over at the shop since you weren’t home. Roger said you and Delia were visitin’ your parents. I was telling him about the fishing rod.”

“Let me guess. He offered his truck so you could rush over here and show Delia?”

“Well, yeah. Micky dropped me off, so I didn’t have a ride.”

Sara wrung her hands, the stress eating away at her insides. Roger knew seeing his truck would upset her. Hell, he knew how terrified she was of him. She’d bet anything he had a good laugh after Ben left.

“Why don’t you come on in the house, and I’ll tell you about it.”

Ben’s gaze skittered over to where Gabe sat on the porch swing. He looked very unsure of what was going on, not that Sara could blame him. He and some of his friends had taken a month-long fishing trip. Ridiculously long, but Ben worked at Roger’s shop and kept his own hours. He did good work, but he tended to be a little flighty.

He had to be curious who Gabe was, but he refrained from asking questions, especially when Gabe told her mother he’d be glad of a meal, but he’d eat outside.

While her parents and Delia ate lunch in the kitchen, she led Ben out to the picnic table set up in the back yard. While the two of them ate, she told him about the last three weeks of hell. The horror on his face made her heart hurt for him. He loved his big brother. Like most people, he had no idea what Roger had put her through over the last eight years.

“I didn’t know, Sara. I swear to God, if I’d known, I’da stopped it. I wouldn’t have let him…” He broke off and cleared his throat. “I’m so sorry, sugar. I shoulda seen it, and I didn’t.”

“No.” Sara interrupted him. “None of this is your fault. Roger was careful to make sure no one knew, and I hid it too, embarrassed and ashamed. Don’t blame yourself for something you had no idea was even happening.”

“I don’t understand how he could do this.” Ben slammed his fist on the table, rattling the plates. It reminded Sara so much of Roger, she was up and moving before she even thought about it, putting distance between them.

“What…” He let out a curse, realizing what spooked her. “Dammit, Sara. I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay.” She let out a shaky breath.

“No, it’s not okay.” He closed his eyes and worked to get his temper under control. “I’m going to beat his ass.”

“No, you’re not.” She forced herself to sit back down. “He’s your brother.”

“He’s a sick bastard who hits little girls.” The steel in that statement took Sara aback. She’d never heard it in Ben’s voice before. He was the happy-go-luckiest fellow you’d ever meet, with not a care in the world. Looking at him, she had to wonder at the man he’d become.

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