Leo’s gaze flicked upward and held. Tension simmered like an elastic ready to snap. Until Leo laughed darkly at Lottie. “You’re dating a fucking cop,” he sneered.
Conversations among the customers suddenly halted; all movement went still. Hunt sensed the eyes on them, watching this unfold. Cautious of his every move, he said, “Last warning: leave now, or I’ll take you in for assault.”
Leo’s chair rocked back as he assessed Hunt. “Marissa wouldn’t dare press charges against me.” A slow, cruel smile spread across his face as he narrowed his eyes on Lottie. “Would you, dear sister?”
Hunt stretched out his fingers again, calming the race of his heartbeat. The younger brother seemed quieter, more reserved and a follower, but Leo was someone he didn’t want anywhere near Lottie. It didn’t occur to him until this moment how truly fearless she was. Leo would terrify grown men, and Lottie had stolen from him to get away. It confirmed how truly bad the situation must have been.
A glass shattered behind the table. Hunt couldn’t tear his gaze away from Lottie as she continued to rub her arm, pain radiating on her face. “Just go, Leo. I’ve told you the truth. I have no idea what Dad was talking about. My life is here. I want nothing to do with either of you. I don’t intend to do anything but live my life as peacefully as possible.”
Matteo looked from Leo to Hunt and then rose, slapping Leo on his back. “We don’t want trouble.”
Of both brothers, Hunt suspected Leo ran whatever operation they were into and made all the calls. There was a ruthlessness about Leo that Matteo simply didn’t have. Hunt had caught Matteo looking at Lottie with longing when Leo wasn’t paying attention. It was obvious he missed his baby sister. And Hunt wondered if Matteo had wanted out of crime, just as Lottie had, but hadn’t been brave enough to leave.
Christ, he was so damn proud of her.
Leo cracked his knuckles and slowly rose, staring down at Lottie with ire burning across his features. “Be well, sister. I’m sure I’ll see you again soon.”
“I’d advise against it,” Hunt stated firmly.
It didn’t surprise him in the least that Leo chuckled in response and turned away, with Matteo following.
The moment the door shut behind them, Hunt took Lottie’s hand on her uninjured arm, keeping her close as they settled up the bill. He stayed silent, intent on not making more of scene, until they left the restaurant. He scanned the street, but her brothers had left, so he tucked them safely around the side of the building. Turning back to Lottie, he met her eyes, fraught with worry. “Are you all right?” he asked, cupping her cheek.
She nodded, glancing at her arm. “These aren’t the first bruises he’s given me.”
“I thought you said he’s never hurt you,” Hunt said. “Was that not true?”
“He’s never hurt,hurtme,” she said. “He grabs when he’s mad.”
“Anyone who leaves a bruise on you is hurting you, Lottie,” Hunt said through gritted teeth, before he wrapped her in his arms, holding her tight. “Jesus, what you went through, having to deal with him. Fuck, Lottie, I wish I had been there to help you.” Before he knew the truth about her past, he wanted her close. Now the need to keep her safe engulfed him, making his head cloudy.
She sank into his hold, and the tension slowly began to leave his body as she softened against him. “Did you hear what he said? That I’ve got something that is going to take down the family?”
“I did,” Hunt said. “You can’t think of anything?”
“Nothing,” she said, trembling in his arms. “If there was something, I’d have given it to him.”
Hunt tightened his arms around her and promised, “We'll find out what Leo’s after and get them out of your life. For good.”
Her silence spoke of her disbelief.
The world was a blur around them until his ringing cell phone pulled them away from each other. He cursed, dragging his phone from his pocket. Until he saw that it was Kieran calling. “Hey,” Hunt said, keeping his arm around Lottie. “What’s up?”
“Hey,” Kieran replied. “Got some news.”
“Please tell me it’s good news,” Hunt said.
“It is. Hazel’s in labor. Not sure how much longer it’ll be, but things are progressing well now. Everyone is at Archer and Elise’s. Thought you might want to head over there too. I’ll call as soon as I’ve got news.”
Hunt’s heart leapt into his throat. “That’s better than good news. That’s exciting news. Lottie just has to walk some dogs, and then we’ll head over to Archer’s. Please give Hazel our love. Very excited for you, man.”
“Thanks,” Kieran said.
A low moan followed by Hazel screaming Kieran’s name sounded before the line went dead.
“Hazel’s in labor,” Hunt said, sliding the phone back into his pocket.
Lottie’s eyes went wide. “Really? Oh my gosh. Thatisexciting news.”
