I’m reminded more and more each day how far away he’s strayed.
Psycho runs his hand down the back of my hair, giving it a gentle tug before walking away.
“Wait,” I say.
He turns around, surprised I’ve stopped him but prepared for more of my sass. In fact, I think he’s hoping for it.
“There are a few breakfast sandwiches on the stove. Help yourself.”
His tongue rolls against the inside of his cheek as he tries to figure out my game.
No matter how hard my family tries to drag me into their darkness, I’ll never let it happen. I can always remain kind. No one can take that away from me.
“The ones on the left are bacon. Sausage to the right. If you’re hungry enough, you should have one of each. They’re both really good.” I shield my eyes to watch a hawk fly over.
When I turn my attention to him, he grins. “I get it now,” he says, shaking his head.
“Get what?”
“Why Rage trusted you.”
He goes into the house and comes out moments later with the sandwiches. I don’t turn around until he falls into the chair beside my brother and takes a bite. Seconds later he holds it up, letting me know he’s enjoying it.
I give him a little nod because fighting him will do no good. I have to do whatever it takes to protect myself. I’ll be spending the entire evening alone with this man. Well, not exactly alone. My mother will be here, but I’ve never been able to depend on her.
I scan the trees as I pull the last sheet from the basket. Tears stream down my cheeks, and I pray Carver listened to me. I need him to be by Mila’s side. I know he’ll do whatever it takes to keep her safe.
He showed me that at the Trough.
I know I can trust him.
Chapter Twenty-Five
Rage
The anger I feel at the two men sitting across from me is off the charts. I’ve sent each of them out to watch over Serenity, and neither got the job done.
“Why are you here?”
Carson takes a bite out of his giant corndog. “What do you mean? I’m here for the food and the concert.”
Carver leans across the table. “I told you I was handling this my way.”
“And your way involves not having eyes on her?”
The way his fingers twitch for his blade tells me I need to back off a little.
I take a breath. “Is she safe?” I ask both of them.
“Oh, we’re talking about Serenity. I haven’t seen her since I left Greeley,” Carson says, shrugging.
“Why didn’t you stay?”
Carver lets out a little laugh and shakes his head.
“What?” I ask.
“She probably fucking sent him away just like she did me.”