Page 81 of Give Me Peace

“Oh, I beg to differ. They ground to a halt.” I laugh but it’s watery, a tell Lochlan picks up on immediately. “Are you crying?” I shake my head, even though he can’t see me.

“The fuck?!” Havok snaps in the distance. “Give me the damn phone, Loch.” A scuffle ensues, the two of them cursing each other to Hell and back before Havok comes out the victor. He’s out of breath, his quick footsteps sounding through the phone before a door slams. I smile, picturing the two of them fighting over who gets to talk to me. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Nothing,” I promise. “Just missing you guys.”

“We’ll be home soon, Say.” Havok grunts, his words coming out choppy as Lochlan bangs his fist against the door. “Fuck me, he’s feisty. Don’t let his size fool you.” I snort, feeling lighter by the second as I listen in on their bickering.

“Open up, you cheeky fucker,” Lochlan growls.

“Okay, okay. Calm your tits, mate.” Havok unlocks the door to wherever he’s barricaded himself, laughing as Lochlan stumbles in on a curse.

“Swear to Christ, Kade, I’ll put you on princess duty for the next five years if you don’t hand me the damn phone.” Havok gasps dramatically.

“Well, I never,” he sputters. “Do you hear that, Say?”

“What’s that even mean?” I giggle.

“It’s cruel and unusual punishment, baby. No one should have to babysit spoiled trust fund brats who fold after half a single Smirnoff, vomit all over their thousand-dollar heels—which somehow becomes my fault—and end up needing an escort from the club because they turn into tantrum throwing toddlers.”

“Sounds awful,” I retort. “Guess you better be a good boy, then.” That earns me an indignant scoff.

“I’ll show you fucking good,” Havok grumbles.

“Listen, love,” Lochlan cuts in. “We need to head out soon. A few of Jasper’s friends are supposed to be at the bar he went missing from. I want to watch them for a bit, see if we can pick up on any discord between them.”

“Are they suspects?” I question, assuming they’d have been ruled out by now.

“Not sure yet, but we’re leaning that way,” Havok answers.

“I’m sorry we weren’t there today. I know it was rough.” Lochlan’s apology isn’t necessary, but there’s no point in telling him that. “It doesn’t change the damage he’s already done, but he will mess up, sweetheart. Liam may be keen and observant, but he’s not invincible.” I have no doubt that’ll happen. It’s the length of time it’s going to take that I have a problem with. Every day that passes puts another woman at risk.

“Get some sleep, Say. We’ll be in touch tomorrow,” Havok tacks on after several seconds of silence on my end.

“Be safe,” I tell them, wishing we didn’t have so many miles between us.

“Always, love.”

I reluctantly end the call, stretching across the bed to plug my phone back in. The time on the screen shows it’s just past eleven. I stare at the ceiling, the dim glow of the bathroom light providing just enough visibility to keep me from freaking out. My thoughts drift to the woman the Oklahoma authorities will undoubtedly find after following the GPS coordinates Liam left for us. Did she have a family? A husband or kids? So far, his victims have all been single. It’s a small mercy that he hasn’t widowed or orphaned anyone, but I wouldn’t put it past him.

After tossing and turning for a while, unable to fall back asleep, I consider going in search of Roan. I interrupted his workout earlier, so there’s a good chance he’s in the gym. Eventually, my body gives in and I drift off. Sometime later, the bed dips, a thick arm snaking around my middle. I sigh at the contact, wedging my cold toes beneath the tree trunk he calls a leg. Roan hisses but makes no move to push me away. With a satisfied smile on my face, I sink against him and pass back out.

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Saylor

“Little Fighter,” Roan whispers, brushing my hair back so his breath tickles my ear. I groan and roll over, not ready to face another new day. “I’ve held Kash off for hours. I guarantee you, his wake-up call won’t be nearly as pleasant.”

“You call this pleasant?” I gripe. Roan chuckles, gathering my foot in his hand. He massages my arch, turning me into liquid. “You were saying?” I can picture the cocky smirk he’s wearing without opening my eyes, but I do anyway just to catch a glimpse of his dimples.

“What time is it?” I stretch, palming the nightstand for my phone.

“Almost lunch time,” Roan answers, grinning at my surprise. “Did you know you spread out like a starfish when you sleep?” He cocks his head to the side playfully.

“Are you implying I hog the bed?”

“Hey, those are your words, baby girl, not mine.” Roan holds his hands up innocently.

“Guess I’ll sleep somewhere else then.” I shrug, scooting back so I can get up. I’ve barely made any progress when Roan’s fingers wrap around my ankle and tug me back. I laugh, attempting to wiggle away but it’s no use. He climbs over me, gathering both my hands in one of his as he grins down at me. “If anyone’s a bed hog, it’s you. You take up way more space than me. Look at how big you are!” My eyes roam his body, gesturing to the stark difference in our sizes.