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Hannah is asleep because the pain medication Dr. Shannon prescribed has knocked her out. It’s good she sleeps because she needs to recover—in more ways than one.
Her young eyes have seen so much. I hate that she can’t live the life of a typical teenager, but I suppose Hannah has never been “normal,” and that’s a good thing. She’s far wiser and stronger than I was at her age.
Fiona hasn’t shown up. I’m surprised because after her theatrics last night, I thought she’d be here with the police, demanding mine and Puck’s head. Deep down, she knows that we can protect Hannah when she can’t.
It’s the first selfless thing she’s done.
When I hear the gravel crunch, the sure sign a car is approaching, I carefully part the curtain an inch and look out the living room window. I sigh when I see Punky’s truck, but that turns to a gasp when he hobbles from the passenger side, beaten and bloody.
I jump up from the sofa, but stop dead in my tracks when Rory gets out of the truck as well.
What the fuck is going on?
Cian opens the door while I stand in the middle of the living room, not concealing my confusion and concern. Punky stumbles in after him, looking at me sheepishly when we lock eyes. The fact that there isn’t a scratch on Rory has me inhaling sharply.
“Are you all right?”
Punky nods, not wanting to make a fuss, but I’m angry. How dare Rory do this? I don’t need an explanation. I can read between the lines.
He limps into the bathroom to clean himself up and probably change because his white T-shirt is covered in blood. Rory doesn’t say a word.
“You fucking hit him?” I demand he has the balls to tell me what happened.
“Aye, I did.” He shows no remorse for his actions, which merely infuriates me further.
“You had no right to do that. If you’re going to get physical with him, then do so with me too.” I charge forward, daring him to hit me. “I’m just as much to blame as he is.”
“No,” he admonishes, taking a step back, horrified. “I will not. I won’t strike ya.”
“Why not?” I press, getting in his face as he continues backing away. “’Cause I’m a girl?”
“Cami, enough now!”
But I won’t stop. “No, I think we’ve just begun! Go on, do to me what you did to Punky. It’s only fair. Or maybe you won’t because you know I’ll fight back!”
Rory turns his cheek, my words wounding him.
“Cat got your tongue, tough guy?”
Punky’s heavy footsteps announce his arrival, and I’m thankful he doesn’t tell me to back off because this is my fight as well. If Rory wants to lash out, then let it be to both Punky and me because that’s only fair. But I know Rory won’t hurt me. He may hate me, but his love for me is still strong.
Only when Punky gently places his hand on my lower back does my anger simmer.
I turn to look at him, his beaten face upsetting me. He could have fought back, but I know he didn’t because he believes he deserves it. Punky is so fucking noble, and that’s one of the many things I love about him.
“There’s something I need to ask ye,” he says, and his tone has my stomach dropping.
“Okay.”
He takes his time, which just adds to my nerves.
“I know ya want to come with me tomorrow. I respect that. But…I want ya to stay here.”
I arch a brow, indicating he has three seconds to explain before I tell him what I think of his request.
“Hannah, Amber, my grandparents, and a long list of others are in danger. They can be used as collateral. Just how Ethan and Eva are. I’m askin’ that you and—” he swallows deeply, revealing how hard his request is. “That you and Rory stay here and protect them. Protect the legacy we’re fighting to save.
“So, I’m giving ya the choice because this is just as much yer fight as it is mine. If ya want to come tomorrow, then I won’t stop ya. But I’m askin’ ya to stay here and defend the people who need protectin’.
