AllFreeNovel
Share Us
The one thing I’d never want to do. Fear was something we lived with, it was everything in this world, the way we operated, through intimidation.
But I’d never wanted Vee to be afraid of us.
I would never hurt her.
I’d carve out my heart and lay it at the feet of that pure soul who’d been so tarnished by this world.
I’d moved to her, apologizing as Enzo held her quivering frame in his arms. The sight was gut-wrenching, and I wanted to undo my moment of weakness, of unleashing my rage before her.
She didn’t deserve it, not now, not after what she’d gone through.
Zane had shut off, his outburst followed by a shutdown as he moved back into logical, strategic mode, compartmentalizing it all.
Something I was struggling to do right now despite my best efforts.
Seeing her so broken and pained in Enzo’s arm was crushing my soul, the way she clung to him like the whole world was threatening to cave in on her.
I’d burn it to the ground before I’d ever let any more harm come to her.
I looked at Enzo, who wore his pain and heartbreak for her on his face, the rage simmering behind his eyes as he focused on her in this moment.
Something I’d failed to do.
I’d failed her.
I’d never do that again.
The drive to the safe house had been far too quiet for my liking. Thomas had taken the passenger seat while I’d sat in the back with Vee nestled between Enzo and I.
My outburst had left a mark, one I didn’t know how to mend as she leaned into Enzo, her face a broken mask as her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.
I wanted to ask her, to find out what she’d endured, to understand and try to take away the pain and torment that would be replaying in her mind, but I knew there was nothing I could do right now. It pissed me off beyond anything, but I kept it together, not wanting to frighten her any further. That was the last thing I wanted to do.
I was helpless right now, unable to help her, and it was ripping me apart. At least she was with us and safe, but something had shifted.
“We’ll get you set up with a new identity, same for your sister and mother,” Zane said from up front.
“Thank you.”
“Are they safe?”
“Yes, they’re keeping in contact with me. They’re safe.”
“We’ll make sure they’re protected as well. You’ve done the right thing in saving Vee and contacting us.”
Thomas glanced back at Vee, and she managed a small smile to him as she rested her head on Enzo’s shoulder, her hand in his.
Thomas had been far too quiet since we’d arrived at the motel, but the way he’d looked to Vee, like he held true concern for her, it was enough.
He’d saved her, and from how things were going, this was not a ploy or a trap.
I’d have to give him the benefit of the doubt here. For her sake.
21
VERONICA
Kieran and Zane’s outburst had been my tipping point, and I’d unraveled in the comfort of Enzo’s arms, unable to take it any more. He’d held me tight, letting me break from the crushing weight of it all.
