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“No,” she says, voice wobbly, “they did it because I cried today. My bunny died.”
“Aww, I’m sorry. There’s nothing wrong with crying for something you love. And . . .”
I trail off as a shadow falls over us and two tattooed guys step out. Not gold tooth, but one of them was at that bar. I recognize the bruises left by Diego.
“It’s the big bitch with a little bitch.”
I push Sadie behind me. “Go back to the hall,” I say to her. “And you two need to go. My friend’s still in town.”
Shit, if they make a grab I don’t know if I can get away. I ready myself to run.
A small thing with brown pigtails darts past me and Sadie kicks them both in the shins. “I’m telling Mommy on you, Adam.”
“Fuck.” Adam rubs his leg.
The other one makes a grab for the girl, but Adam flings out his arm. “Don’t touch her. She’s my little sister.”
“Go home! I’m telling Mommy and yours.”
As the other one growls, Sadie grabs my hand. “Don’t worry, Miss Nadia. I’ll protect you.”
As we walk back, I try not to shake. I think I see Diego at his motorcycle down on the other side of the street leaning on it, arms crossed. Think because there is no way I am stopping to look.
I want to get back inside and end this. Sadie’s a formidable little girl and on the surface the whole thing’s funny, but beneath? It’s scary as hell. If that guy hadn’t been her brother, then what would have happened?
This town was never this bad, and I’ve always felt safe.
That is, until now.
I keep a smile in place for the remainder of the class, and when everyone’s left, I take my time cleaning up.
“You know, we need to organize a drop-off for them.” Josie picks up a broom.
I turn. “Go home. I’ll take care of this.”
“No, I’m here to help.”
“I need to go talk with the pastor. You help next time. I’ll walk you to your car.”
She gives me a doubtful look, but she nods, and I see her off with a hug, watching until she’s gone.
Last thing I want is them coming back and grabbing Josie. She’s innocent. I don’t need to talk to the pastor, so I go back to cleaning up.
“Nadia.”
I scream a little and whirl around, dropping the cushion.
Riff’s big form takes up the door.
“What . . . how?” I stare at him. “Are you following me?”
It’s a very un-Nadia thing, bordering on rude, and I bite my lip.
“I mean, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Well, I heard about all the troubles since your new boyfriend came into town.” He rubs a hand over his shaven chin. “I get it, you want to let loose before you come back to me.”
“I’m not.”
