Page 138 of Hard to Hold
I jumped when Reagan put her hand on my arm.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…”
When she tried to pull back, I stopped her. “No. I’m sorry. I’m just a little jumpy.”
Reagan had been great through all of this. She had sat right beside me, holding my hand through the worst of the story just like she had the first time. It was clear she was as angry as the rest of the people filling the small house, but she was hiding it better than they were.
“I’d like to say I’m fine,” I said honestly. “But I’d be lying.”
“You’re safe now,” Reagan assured me, nodding toward the group of men huddling across the room. “Look at them. They’re ready to start a war for you.”
I wanted to believe her regarding my safety. I wanted to think that Kelly couldn’t get to me, but I knew him. He would stop at nothing to protect himself. And unfortunately, I was a liability.
“I’m down. Bring that fucker on!” Lynx growled, drawing everyone’s attention.
I glanced at Reagan, but obviously, she didn’t know what they were talking about.
Rhys and Wolfe both looked directly at me. Then more eyes turned my way.
A sense of foreboding crawled over my skin.
I knew whatever their plan was, I was not going to like it.
Not one bit.
Rhys
My gut churned.
I couldn’t fucking believe how this had escalated so quickly.
What should’ve been a brief informational meeting with a detective out of Houston had turned into an all-out battle between the Caines and the asshole who’d tormented Amy for years.
The worst part, I was torn between upholding the law, bringing the bastard to justice, and letting the Caines loose on the fucker. I knew what the right thing to do was, but the latter sounded a hell of a lot more satisfying. For one, there was nothing to say that we could bring this asshole to his knees.
“Can I talk to you for a second?” Joanna asked, her tone soft, concerned.
I turned my attention to her.
“Outside?”
I nodded, then glanced over to Wolfe to let him know. The big man nodded once, then headed toward Amy.
I followed the detective out onto the shaded front porch.
Joanna leaned against the railing and faced me. “I don’t mean to pry and you certainly don’t have to tell me, but I was…” She glanced at the screen door. “I was wondering about the dynamic here.” Her aqua-blue gaze met mine again.
Cocking an eyebrow, I waited for her to elaborate. I wasn’t sure which dynamic she was referring to, although I had an idea.
“I’m not judging, so don’t jump to that conclusion. I just need to know the relationships that are goin’ on here. Initially, I thought Wolfe was with Amy, but…”
I glanced out at the acres of dry grass blowing in the breeze. The sound of the screen door opening and closing behind me didn’t have me looking back. I knew who it was.
Joanna’s eyes flew to the newcomer, and a second later, Wolfe’s hand was on my shoulder and Amy was standing beside me, her arm sliding around my waist.
“Is that enough of an answer for you?” I asked.
“So, the three of you…?”
