I’m honest. The men need to know. “We got to Elena’s just in time before her boss raped her.”
There’re gasps, then silence around the table. Demon’s still smiling, but the rest of the men’s faces harden. No one dares to argue the point. Everyone would have done the same if that happened to their girl.
Reaper nods. “That explains it, then. Our contact at the police station called and informed me that a man got stabbed, and two men wearing cuts were seen leaving the scene.”
Demon snorts. “They’re exaggerating. I only stabbed his hands for touching Elena.”
“Nice job,” Viper chimes in.
“Thanks,” Demon replies, looking pleased with himself. “I would have done more, but there were too many witnesses. I can go back now if you want me to?”
“I’m down for that,” I swiftly respond.
“Not now. Will her boss report the two of you to the police?” Bomber asks, glancing at me and then Demon.
“I doubt it,” Demon replies. “I warned him if he talks, I’ll chop off his fingers one by one and shove them down his throat.”
“Jesus Christ,” Twitch mutters.
I laugh because I truly believe Demon would do it.
“Is there anything else anyone would like to add?” asks Reaper.
I shake my head. No one says anything, so Reaper bangs the gavel and we all get up to leave.
Cash puts his hand on my arm. “How is she?”
“He would have raped her if we hadn’t shown up,” I say through gritted teeth, anger flaring. I stretch my neck from side to side, trying to calm myself as the rapid mood change threatens to drown me. “It’s shaken her up.”
He shakes his head, disgust written all over his face. “Did he get far?”
“I haven’t asked. Elena had her clothes on. She was terrified, her hair was a mess around her head, and her shirt was pulled up, showing her bra. She was so drunk”—I swallow thickly—“she wouldn’t have been able to put up much of a fight.”
He frowns. “I’m glad you got there when you did.”
“Me too.” But if I hadn’t made the bet, I guarantee she wouldn’t have been drinking. Elena hardly drinks. This is my fault. “I better get back and check on her,” I say.
I rush to Elena, taking the stairs two at a time. I open the bedroom door slowly, not wanting to wake her. The room is dark, but with the light filtering in the window, it’s still bright enough to see her.
I take off my cut, then my shirt, and get under the blanket with her. She rolls over toward me and shuffles close. I put my arm around her, pulling her tight against me. I’ll do anything to make it right. “I love you, Elena,” I whisper. “I promise to make it up to you.”
I wake up to sunlight flooding the room and Elena moving in my arms. She stiffens. I lie on my side so that we’re facing each other and rub her back, giving her a minute. But then I hear sniffling. I cup her chin and raise her head. Tears streak her face. Her grief pierces my heart. “Do you remember?” I ask.
“Yes,” she whispers.
I lean in and kiss her forehead. “You’re safe now.”
“You came for me...” Her voice cracks. “Thank you.”
“I’ll always protect you.” Hell, I’d kill for her... I wanted to kill for her. I remember the blood pouring from his face as I lay into him with my fists. That will have to do...for now.
“Are you hungry?” I ask. “Do you want some food or water... or maybe a headache pill?” Lately, I’ve become very familiar with what a hangover feels like.
“No. I just want you here with me.”
“Of course I’ll stay with you, baby girl.”
She grasps my hand and links our fingers together. She’s staring at my bruised knuckles and the cuts on my hand. “I’m sorry you got hurt.”
