Page 14 of Rescuing Sadie

Because if she told him Jonathan had violated her…had taken her against her will… Chase knew without a doubt that he’d tell the Taggarts he couldn’t look after their niece anymore—so he could go AWOL and hunt down that son of a bitch and kill him with his bare hands.

Chapter Five

Sadie hadn’t been sure what Chase’s sister would think of her, but she shouldn’t have worried. Rayne Jackson took one look at her and immediately gave her a big hug.

“I’m so sorry you were caught in the middle of that situation, Sadie. How awful. Are you okay? Were you hurt? I also can’t believe you’ve been at my brother’s apartment for a month and he didn’t tell me! Is he taking care of you? I love him, but he’s a guy… Sometimes he has no clue about what women need.”

Sadie stepped back, right into Chase. He put a hand on her waist to steady her. She turned her head to thank him and saw he was grinning at his sister.

“What do you mean I don’t know what women need? When you were eight and had the chicken pox, I brought you a whole cup of worms to make you feel better.”

Sadie shared a look with Rayne and giggled when she rolled her eyes.

“Or the time when you were upset over some boy when we were in middle school, and to help, I got into your Myspace account and posted that picture of you asleep in your bed with chicken pox scabs all over your face and asked that everyone send you good wishes.”

“You didn’t,” Sadie asked Chase with big eyes.

He grinned and shrugged. “I was helping.”

“See?” Rayne asked Sadie. “He has no clue.”

“What about the time Ghost came to me after he rescued you from that coup in Egypt and I didn’t beat the shit out of him when he said that you were ‘his’? Or when I gave you that barrette that ended up helping to save your life? Or when we had that long talk because you were upset about Ghost being away on a mission and you came to me and I let you eat my entire pint of double chocolate brownie ice cream I had in my freezer?”

Sadie watched the irritation melt off Rayne’s face. “Yeah, all right, sometimes you know exactly what women need.” She turned back to Sadie. “I just want you to know if you need someone to talk to, I’m here.”

“But you don’t even know me,” Sadie blurted before she could think about what she was saying.

“Hopefully after today, I’ll know you better. Besides, I heard all about what happened down at that school from Ghost. You and your friend… What was her name?”

“Milena,” Sadie said.

“Right. From what I hear, you and your friend Milena were amazingly calm and helped make sure the head guy wasn’t able to get away and abuse hundreds of other girls.”

“That’s not exactly—”

Rayne held up her hand. “Whatever. The point is, anyone who can hold her own against fake teachers and philanthropists who are actually pedophiles is someone I want to be friends with. So, after today, if there’s anything you need, just let me know and I’ll make sure you get it. Snacks, time away from my annoying little brother, clothes, a friend to drink with… I’ve got your back.”

“Wow. Uh…thanks.”

“You’re welcome.”

“Can I ask something?”

“Sure,” Rayne said breezily.

“Chase gave you a barrette that helped save your life…?”

Rayne smiled at her brother, the love in her eyes clear to see. Sadie didn’t have any brothers or sisters, but she knew without a doubt, no matter how much they might tease, Rayne and Chase would do anything for each other.

“Long story, one I’m sure Chase will be happy to tell you,” Rayne said softly.

“Speaking of which,” Chase said. “I’ve got a new prototype…a bracelet that comes apart and has a hidden blade inside. You want it?”

“Duh, of course I do,” Rayne told her brother.

“I’ll get it to Ghost as soon as I can.”

“Awesome. You guys ready to go?” Rayne asked, changing the subject and motioning toward the door. “I stopped over and saw Emily and Annie before I came up here, and Fletch informed me that I’m coming over for a barbeque tonight. Good timing, because I have an overnight flight that leaves tomorrow.”