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“It’s a fixer-upper,” I muttered, drawing that terrified stare with a sweep of my arm toward the chair. “We’re going for that freshly tortured, grungy vibe. What do you think?”
She let out a bark of laughter, then lunged.
“Baby,” Tobias reached for her as she stumbled.
But she was already gone…as was I.
I tore across the space, ignoring the panicked stares from Carven and Colt and, with a cry, slammed into her. Warmth pressed against me, clinging onto me for salvation.
She was so small, tiny almost. Nothing more than skin and bones. My arms went around her shoulders. In my head, she was the same feisty woman who’d helped me break into The Principal’s office, then played bait as I knocked out the nurse when we’d fled that goddamn hell.
Only now, that seemed like a lifetime ago.
All we’d had was a few frantic messages from London’s encrypted connection, fleeting moments to make sure we were both still alive. It hadn’t been enough, not anywhere near enough. I closed my eyes, pulling her against me until my body bowed around her belly. “Fuck, I missed you.”
She clung to me. “Me, too,” she whispered, her voice thick. “So very much.”
Deep baritone voices echoed all around us. I felt the weight of their stares. But none of that touched us at that moment. It was just her and me, holding onto each other, until I slowly relaxed.
There was no need for conversation.
No revealing our pain.
We knew exactly what it’d taken to get us here. The desperate need to survive and love…the love of those we belonged to.
“Familia est omnia,” I whispered.
“Family is everything,” she agreed, gripping me tighter.
Slick, warm tears trailed down my cheeks. I buried my face against her, breathing in the faint scent of smoke in her hair. Awkward silences were all around us. But I couldn’t worry about how awkward this was for them.
I had my sister.
“I fucking love you.” I pulled away and grasped her small face, looking at her through the blur of my tears. “You hear me? I fucking love you.”
She raised those big blue eyes to mine and fresh tears slipped free. “I love you too, Viv. I really missed you. I missed you so much it hurt.”
I yanked her close again, turning my head to find London. “I missed you too, kid.”
The sound of the door opening behind me intruded. But I pulled away, looking down at her once more. “We stay together now, okay? No matter what, we stay together.”
She nodded, desperation roaring in her eyes before they shifted to the door behind me. I turned around, to find Helene King. She glanced at Ryth, the corners of her lips trembling in a nervous smile.
The need to step in front of Ryth surged up. I didn’t know this woman…after what she’d done to Carven, I certainly didn’t trust her. That possessive flare of anger grew.
“Ryth.” She took a step forward and held out her hand. “It’s so good to finally meet you.”
On reflex, I shook my head, stopping Helene instantly.
“Pet,” London warned.
A nerve twitched in the corner of my eye. I didn’t know who I was angrier at, her for turning up here…or London for belittling my distrust.
“London.” I whipped my gaze toward him.
They all stared at me, even the most possessive one of them all: Tobias. Confusion flickered and heat rose, melting my icy sting.
“She’s Ryth’s sister too,” London urged, shifting nervously. “Maybe you could give her a chance?”
