Page 82 of Tate
Ford moved in his direction. “Axel, step back?—”
Sammy-Jo twisted out of Scarlett’s arms and ran to the man, clutching him around his waist. “Baby—don’t leave me. I promise I’ll be good.”
Axel’s arms went around her, and Ford stood stymied as the man kissed the top of her head, smoothing her hair, shushing her. “It’s okay, Sam, I’m here. I’m not leaving.”
Scarlett looked sickened, shaking her head.
Axel looked over at her. “Now,” he growled. “Or I call the police.”
“You attackedme!”
“I tripped. You freaked out?—”
Scarlett’s mouth opened. Axel took her mother’s face in his big hands. “You’ll be okay, sweetie. I’ll take care of you.”
Scarlett shook her head. “If I leave, I come back with the cops.”
“Feel free. She’s my wife, honey. What do you think is going to happen here? She’s not going anywhere.”
Ford found Scarlett’s hand and squeezed because he felt very sure she might just lose the strength in her legs. Either that or pick up the knife again.
He tightened his hand on hers as she asked, “When did you get married?”
“Four months ago.” He smirked at Scarlett. “Say goodbye to Scarlett, Sammy-Jo.”
Her mother leaned back and looked at Scarlett, then smiled, her eyes warm, as if she might not know her. “Bye-bye, Scarlett.”
Scarlett drew in a breath, her body shaking. And if it were up to him, or any of his teammates, the man’s life might be in jeopardy.
Ford tugged her away. “He’s not worth it.”
“Send my kid back in the house.”
Ford wanted to be ill, but he led Scarlett out to the yard.
She shook out of his hand and stalked over to the open door of the truck while he retrieved her belongings from the yard and packed them in the duffel. He opened his back door and caught the words Scarlett was saying to Gunnar, whose wide blue eyes were in hers.
“Listen to me, Gunnar. If you ever need me. Or you’re afraid, or if Axel doesn’t take care of Mom, then you call me. Day or night, I’ll come for you. You’re not alone, okay? Ever.”
Ford closed the door and came over to the kid. “And me. You can call me. And guess what, I have an entire team of superheroes who will help you. All you have to do is call.”
Gunnar nodded, his eyes red.
“Gunnar, come in the house.” Axel stood on the porch. He tossed Ford’s sleeping bag and mat into the yard.
Gunnar climbed down from the truck and trudged toward the house.
Ford picked up his belongings and shoved them into the back seat. Scarlett stood at his open door. He came to stand in front of her. “Get in, Red.”
Her jaw tightened. She didn’t even bother to swipe away the tears, and he forced himself not to do it either.
But he stayed there, his back to Axel, his eyes on her until she got in.
Then he closed her door, turned.
Stared at Axel. The man had his hands on Gunnar’s shoulders.
Ford drew in a breath, crossed to the front of the truck, and got in.
