Page 78 of Up in a Blaze
“Do we need to worry about these people?” Rommy asked, tensing.
A curly head of hair jumped out of the back.
“What the fuck?” we heard roared, and then Wreck was stomping his way toward his husband.
“Oh, they came.” Henri kissed my jaw. “Mon amour, I will be back in a second.” He was out of the car before I could say or do anything. I was going to have to strap my firecracker to me from now on.
He went over and hugged Lucas before Wreck got there. Then he hugged West and Gun and patted Adrick on the arm.
“Henri,” I barked out the window.
“Everyone reminds me of home. There’s so much love and caring going on it makes me teary. Shit, I better call Dad.”
Henri waved goodbye and ran back to the car. When he climbed in, I let go of Sawyer’s hand to reach around Henri to do his belt up.
“Stay here,” I clipped, staring down at him.
He cupped my cheek and kissed me. “Sorry, I will. I’m right here, mon amour.”
Grunting, I sat back and took Sawyer’s hand again. I could feel the kid’s gaze on me, but I didn’t look at him. Though, Henri leaned forward to see Sawyer and smiled.
“I told you we would have you home today, chéri. It just may be a little later than we thought. Will Arlo be okay?”
Sawyer nodded. “Yeah, um. If I don’t show at his school, he knows to walk home and go to our neighbor’s.”
“Very good.” He reached over and patted Sawyer’s leg. “We will get things sorted.”
Sawyer nodded, and just as Rommy put the phone to her ear, the kid slowly rested his head against my shoulder.
I had a feeling Henri had gotten through to him somehow.
“Dad!” Rommy yelled as Country started driving. “I’m okay. I promise. … They didn’t hurt me. I swear. … All right, I could use something to drink, some food, and a shower. I’m gonna stink everyone out in the car. … No, I’m telling the complete truth. I’m fine, Dad. They had to keep us well for the buyers. … Relax, it’s not happening now is it. … I know. I love you too. … Yes, I’ll make sure they take care of me. They seem really nice, Dad. … Of course I kicked ass. I wasn’t gonna sit back and let everyone else have fun. … Okay, I won’t call kicking ass fun. … Yeah, I know you worry. … Hey, Mum. How’s Dad really been? … I know you can hear me, old man, but Mum won’t sugarcoat it. … Yes, Mum. I promise I’m okay. … I’ll make sure they feed me right away. … Love you too, and I’ll see you tomorrow.” She hung up and sat back, suddenly looking tired.
“You good, kid?” Country asked.
“Yeah. Can we please grab some tucker on the way?”
“Tucker?”
She rolled her head his way and grinned. “Sorry, I mean food. Hey, I like all your tattoos. There’s so many. Are they all over?”
“Pretty much, and yeah, we’ll hit a drive-through. Dusty, my old lady, will have more food at the compound too.”
She moaned. “Sounds good.”
“Where did you learn to fight like that?” Country asked. He pulled to the other lane when he spotted a burger joint.
“That was only a little of what I know. Dad made sure I was trained in all types of martial arts. With weapons and hand-to-hand. Good thing really.” She straightened. “My mouth is already watering. I’ll eat anything, so you just order for me.”
I glanced down to Henri, who was leaning into me with his head back, mouth slightly open and breathing heavily. Sound asleep. At my other side, Sawyer was the same—both tired and drained from what they’d been through. I was just glad even Sawyer was relaxed enough to sleep around us.
When Country asked me if I wanted anything, I shook my head. I wouldn’t risk waking them, and if they wanted something later, I’d make sure they got it.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
HENRI
At the compound, Country and Rommy climbed out after I promised we would be back to see Rommy. While they headed inside, Blaze and I got into the front of the car, and my lover drove us to the address Sawyer gave.
