Page 64 of No Fear
“What about him?”
Ford shrugged again and Remy fought the urge to snipe at him. The whole quiet and mysterious thing worked with the ladies but he knew it wasn’t an act. Ford had always been that way. He knew unless there was something Ford thought he could add to the conversation, he didn’t bother opening his mouth. This time though, he couldn’t be sure if Ford was quiet because he didn’t know what Lincoln was up to or if he was quiet because his twin had told him to stay that way and it bugged the hell out of him that either of his cousins knew something about Rachel and her situation that he didn’t.
“Look, if it’s about what I think it’s about… Rachel doesn’t know anything.”
Ford raised an eyebrow but remained quiet again.
“If she knew anything about what her brother was up to, she would’ve told me by now. She’s been living with me for a week. We’re together. She’s mine.”
“I know but…”
Whatever Ford had been about to say was cut off by a noisy racket near the door. They both turned to see what was going on, as did several of the wedding guests. The first thing he saw was Bentley arguing with someone and he frowned, wondering what the hell the kid was doing, but when the other person shoved the younger man, Remy’s breath caught in his chest.
Decker. Decker was here. His father had somehow found out about the wedding and decided to show up. He’d shown up drunk and belligerent, as per always.
It wasn’t the first time Remy had seen his father since he moved back to Old Settlers. He’d spotted his old man once or twice in town the past few months. Every time, he’d been able to slip away without being noticed, avoiding the confrontation he’d known was inevitable, but he knew that wouldn’t be an option this time.
Decker was here to ruin Cash’s wedding day. It was the only reason for him to show up when he hadn’t been invited. He hated the twins, wanted them dead, blamed them for everything that had ever gone wrong in his life. So he was here to destroy the happiest day of Cash’s life just like he’d tried to destroy the son he swore wasn’t his every day since he was born.
Remy started to stand, to go and help Bentley, to keep the twins from seeing the bastard and letting him harm them in any way, but a heavy hand landed on his arm. Ford shoved him back into his chair and gave one firm shake of his head. He watched his cousin stand and blinked in confusion.
“What are you doing?”
“Getting him out of here.”
“He’s my dad. I’ll deal with him.”
“No. Not this time. You’ve managed to escape him this long. I’ll get him out of here before Cash sees him.”
Remy gaped at his cousin, “You don’t have to do it alone. I can help you. He’ll go if I…”
“No, Remy.” Ford glared down at him, “You can’t take everything in this family on your shoulders. I’ll take care of Uncle Deck. You stay here with your brothers and your girls. This is where you belong.”
That tightness was in his throat again so he couldn’t find the words to thank his cousin. Remy simply nodded and Ford did the same before walking away. He’d forgotten, because Ford usually chose to stay quiet, that when he did speak, his cousin usually said a mouthful.
Ford would get Decker out of here. He’d take him away. He wanted Remy to stay here with his brothers and with his sisters. He wanted him to stay here with Rachel because this was where he belonged.
Not in some dilapidated shack on the edge of town. Not in some fight with his father. Not hiding in the shadows. He belonged here, with his family, in the light. So that’s where he was going to stay even if he knew he would owe Ford a favor for this after.
Rachel turned from the bar and smiled at him so he pushed to his feet again. Staying away from her this long had been an absolute feat in self-control. He moved towards her and didn’t stop until he had her in his arms.
“Dance with me, love.”
She smiled, “I thought you’d never ask.”
