“Thank you, sir,” Mark said quietly, his words saying that it was okay, but the lines of his body were still tight, and she knew that he had returned to the man that hid behind his walls.
That Dominic had to do more than just say a few words to get his true forgiveness.
“No more sir. You are not a soldier. You are my brother, and I’m sorry that it’s taken me so long to act like it,” Dominic stated. She could see the remorse in his eyes and tears burned her eyes.
So much pain.
“And you as well, Winter. I am sorry for how I have acted toward you. You have shown above and beyond that you care for my brother, and I am deeply grateful to you for that.”
She nodded giving him a small shaky smile.
If he could extend this olive branch, then she would let it go.
For Mark.
A knock sounded at the door, and she turned to Mark again.
“That’s probably the police,” she said worriedly, they hadn’t gotten the chance to talk anything over after her brothers had dropped them off.
“Not to worry, the police have been taken care of. My father has been called.”
“Fuck!” Mark’s head fell back, his eyes closing briefly, “you called Sergio?”
“Of course. He would want to know what was happening with his sons.”
“Excuse me, sir, there is a man here to see Winter, should I let him in?” the guard called from the door.
“Hold them,” Dominic said then turned to her, “we will check.” Rick and Danny silently followed, Danny giving her a small smile as they walked by.
What now?
“You went to your brothers?” Dominic came barging in scowling at her and she looked to Mark again.
“Don’t look at me. I’m still mad you drove my truck across the country by yourself.”
“Fuck,” Danny muttered. “At least tell me you stopped at a motel to sleep.”
“Umm …”
“Winter …” Mark warned, sitting up.
“I may have just pulled into a rest stop,” she whispered, and all the men’s faces turned red.
She was so in trouble!
“Oh God. Do you know how dangerous that is?” Dominic called and she narrowed her eyes at him.
“You know what. I’ve already shot one fucker that mouthed off today. Don’t push me.”
Danny’s laughter followed him as he slipped out of the room, the other men following.
Dominic paused at the doorway and turned back to look at them.
“I’m glad you are safe brother. We will get things ready for your return home.” Then he was gone.
A few seconds later her brothers both slipped in, and she smiled.
“Thank you,” she whispered. “Thank you for helping me.”
