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“That was snappy. She doesn’t appear like much, seems worn out, but I reckon she’d appreciate a little—”

“Don’t go there,” I growled, my temper spiking. “It’s fuckin’ obvious she’s been abused. What you did in there was a total cunt move, Hercules, and you know it.”

“Calling dibs?” Hercules demanded.

“No.”

“Then Meadow’s anyone’s to claim.”

Motherfuckin’ pushy asshole. “I said no.” A threat popped into my head that would force Hercules to behave. “Or I’ll tell Nanci you’re fuckin’ with our cook.”

Hercules glowered. “You wiener.”

“Leave her alone, Hercules. She’s got three kids and doesn’t need shit from us,” I warned and walked away.

Hercules grunted, trying to rile me, but I ignored him and headed downstairs. When it was a hotel, the alcohol was stored here, but now it was a gym. I needed a few rounds with a punchbag.

“Is there a problem I should know about?” Nanci demanded at dinner. She pointed her fork at Hercules and me. I was still glowering at him, and he was smirking his ass off.

“Yeah. Hercules wants to mess with Meadow,” I tattled.

Hercules sat bolt upright. “You fuckin’ snitch!”

“Leave her alone!” Nanci said at the same time. “If you cost me Meadow, I’m gonna kick you all over!”

I smirked as Hercules’ glare narrowed on me. Then a satisfied expression crossed his face. What was that? He leaned into Nanci. “Chill’s got a crush on the cook.”

I didn’t bother replying, just sent him a scathing glare and walked away. Nanci’s eyes bore into my back, and I barely refrained from running.

Meadow – a few days later

I brushed the hair out of my eyes as I finished prepping the soup and picked up the crockpot. Nanci had told me she fancied chicken soup, so I’d made several flavours. This one was vegetable. I turned around and screamed as Sabre appeared in front of me. I’d not heard him, and his sudden appearance terrified me.

Instantly fearing reprisal, I scrambled back into a corner and crouched, making myself small. I kept apologising, hoping to stave off a beating.

Sabre didn’t approach but just stood there with the soup dripping down his face and clothing. Inglorious appeared, took in the scene, and came closer to me, and I covered my face. He froze in position and spoke softly.

“Meadow. Meadow, it’s Inglorious. Can you look at me?” he asked gently. Inglorious stayed where he was, but he was still a threat to me. Harsh sobs left my body.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean it!” I sobbed, trying to get control of myself. Somewhere I understood I wasn’t in danger, but Gerard’s reactions were ingrained in me. Sabre and Inglorious should be aiming slaps about now.

The door burst open, and I crouched even smaller. Chill entered with a wild expression on his face. His eyes landed on Sabre, still standing there with soup dripping down him, and then me. I peeked at him from behind my fingers, and I began to relax. Chill wouldn’t let anyone hurt me. I don’t know how I arrived at that conclusion, but I had.

“Hey, did Sabre try to steal dinner again?” Chill demanded gently as he crouched and shuffled forward in an awkward crab crawl.

Warily, I glanced at him, and Chill stopped moving. I kept my arms up. Inglorious was close enough to land a blow.

“Do you want me to get Nanci?” Chill murmured. I shook my head. “Is it okay if Sabre leaves and goes to shower?”

“I’m so sorry,” I wailed. Where was the slap? Were they playing with me? Why weren’t they hitting me?

“Don’t be. I surprised you. Christ, I’m lucky you didn’t slam me with the fuckin’ pot,” Sabre joked and backed away carefully. I watched, puzzled even as the logical part of me yelled to get up and stop making a scene.

Chill edged his way forward again. He slowly extended a hand and offered me a pack of tissues. I cautiously reached out and pulled one out. This was so embarrassing. I was calming now and able to recognise the drama I’d caused.

Shame swept through me. “Sorry… my reaction…”

“Meadow. Think it’s obvious that something happened. However, it’s not our way to force you to tell us anything. The only thing I want confirming is: are you safe, and do you need our help?” Inglorious asked.