Page 33 of Hope and Country

“June? Did you go shopping?”

She offered me a victorious smile.

“I heard the emergency in your voice when you called. I wouldn’t have let anyone else do you the favor. I picked every piece myself. Got a bit of everything. Even a cute dress. Just in case. And toiletries. A little makeup. Just some girls’ stuff, you know.” She gave me a slow once-over, studying my expression with furrowed brows. “I’m not gonna ask questions, though. All I’ll say is if you need my help with anything, call me. I’ll drive the getaway car if that’s what you want. All you have to do is ask.”

I nodded. “Thanks, June. I owe you one. You have no idea how happy I am it’s you at the door right now.”

“You okay? Should I worry?

I shook my head. “No. Everything is under control. Thank you for your help.”

She winked at me and dropped a kiss on my cheek.

“She must be a special someone.”

I nodded while she handed me the bags before walking back to her car.

June pulled out the driveway, and I waved at her, breathing out every remnant of tension swirling inside me.

I was really ready to punch the jerk if he had been the one ringing the doorbell. I hadn’t gone into a fight since I was like ten. But with adrenaline running high in my bloodstream, I would have kicked his ass. Big time. Yeah, he wouldn’t have seen it coming.

On lighter feet, I returned to the living room, but no sign of Devon anywhere. Did she go to the bathroom? Steel coiled around my stomach. No. She was hiding. I could sense it. The thickness in the air. The wings of terror floating in each room.

“Devon?” I called out. “Are you all right? It’s just me.”

A soft cry pierced my heart.

I neared my bedroom and pressed my forehead to the door.

“It’s okay. It’s safe.” Was that a lump in my throat making my voice shaky?

“Who was it?” she inquired from inside.

“My assistant, June. Can I come in? I promise there’s no one else here.”

Sniffles and a whispered yes came from the other side of the door.

With a careful gesture, I pushed it open, slowly, inch by inch.

The sight of my woman curled into a ball in the wingback chair, her arms circling her folded legs, tears streaming down her face broke me all over again.

I stepped inside the room, the light coming from the window illuminating her features.

“Would you like to have a look? June brought you clothes.”

A mask of apprehension appeared on Devon’s vulnerable face.

“You told people about me being here? Riley, you shouldn’t have done that. I’m not safe anymore. Robbie has contacts everywhere. It’ll reach his ears.” Her body shuddered, and I dashed to her side and stroked her back, wishing I could steal all her pain and fears away.

She flinched at first, then relaxed, scooted closer to me, allowing me to comfort her. She sucked in some air in halting gasps, and my heart fractured in my chest.

My lips found the crown of her head on their own, and I laid a kiss there.

“Hey, I said nothing to June. Besides, she works with country music superstars for a living; she’s used to keeping everything she sees or hears to herself. Don’t worry. And no, I didn’t tell her about you. I promise. She probably thinks I’m hiding a one-night stand or something. Anyway, it’s none of her business. Your secret is safe with me.” I cleared my throat and lowered my voice. “I need to know something.” I breathed in and closed my eyes, images I preferred not to think about making their way to my mind. I huffed and braced myself for the truth. “Is Robbie— well—is he your husband?”

Devon stiffened in my embrace. After a few seconds, she shook her head.

“No. Robbie is actually my stepbrother. And he just likes to hit me. For no reason.”