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She tried to nod.
“Good girl,” he crooned, the same way he might speak to one of his dogs. She blinked a few times, and he came into focus. “I’ve got you. Do you think you can stand up?”
She reached for the basket, but he stopped her.
“Don’t worry about the groceries. You’re all I care about.” He offered a hand, and she took it. His palm closed around hers, strong and sure, and he yanked her upright.
She wobbled. “I’m gonna be sick.”
“No, you’re not.” He kept a hold of her hand, but otherwise maintained his distance, and she appreciated that. She couldn’t handle a man in her space at the moment. “We’re going to walk outside and sit down,” he continued. “Give Mavis the shopping lists, and she’ll finish for us.”
She didn’t want to entrust anything to the old witch. “But—”
“No buts. Everything will be fine. Come on.”
“But they said that Seeley…” She sucked in a breath, fighting off panic. “He’s been showing my photo around.”
He froze, a flash of raw rage passing over his features before they settled into a neutral mask. “It’s okay. I won’t leave your side. He can wave your picture from the fucking rooftops for all I care. He’s not getting you.” He gestured for her to give Mavis the list, and she did. Then he lowered his voice and addressed her. “A guy has been asking questions?”
Mavis nodded. “Is she in trouble?”
“If he comes back, steer him around in circles. Don’t let him near her.”
“We won’t.”
He squeezed Megan’s hand and she tried to take reassurance from it. “Like I said, we take care of our own.”
She bit her tongue to keep from reminding him that she wasn’t one of them. When he started to move, she let him lead her away. Outside, she dropped onto the bench where Betty was waiting with Trevor and leaned back against the building, feeling shaky and unable to support her own weight.
“I’m sorry for making a scene,” she said, her eyes closed so she didn’t have to look at him.
Tione settled beside her, hand still in hers. He started drawing circles on her palm and the sensation centered her.
“Take a deep breath for me.”
She did.
“Now look at me.”
Reluctantly, she opened one eye, then the other, and turned to face him. When he had her full attention, he raised her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it. If she hadn’t been sitting, her knees would have given out. His lips were soft, his beard rough against her skin. Dimly, she was aware that Betty had gasped, and was fanning herself with one hand.
“Everything is okay,” he said. “You’re safe. We won’t let him get you.”
She exhaled, and the breath rattled as she released it. “Thanks.”
Pulling her hand from his, she busied herself petting Trevor, ignoring the weight of his gaze. Trevor rested his head on her knee, and she scratched behind his ear, secure in the knowledge that anyone who meant her harm would have to get through him first.
When Mavis exited the minimart, she handed Tione a cardboard box, and looked down at Megan. “I didn’t mean to distress you,” she said. “I’m sorry.”
“I know,” Megan replied, feeling more than a little embarrassed at how she’d reacted. The women were nosy, not dangerous.
“Ladies.” Tione stood and crossed his arms. He was at least a head taller than Betty. “I’m disappointed in both of you.” Their eyes fell to their shoes. “If you wanted to know my business, all you had to do was ask. Don’t go making a nuisance of yourself and upsetting people who’ve already endured more than their fair share of crap from others.”
“Sorry,” Betty said, then aimed a cautious smile at Megan. “Truly, dear. We hope you’re all right.”
“I’m fine.”
“No thanks to you,” he grumbled.
