The girls laughed and vanished from sight.
When they were out of earshot, Bane turned to him. “Didn’t you find it strange that Larry suggested we come here for pie? It’s clear he’s not a favorite of Emma’s grandparents.”
“I did think it was odd, bro. He’s quite brazen, don’t you think?”
Bane nodded. “I wonder if he was the reason Emma reacted the way she did to the phone call back home.”
“I was wondering the same thing at the concert, but she doesn’t seem frightened by him.”
“No she doesn’t.”
“I’m betting Leland and Helen have a few things to say about Larry.”
“I’m sure you’re right.” Bane sighed. It was clear that he, like him, wanted to protect not only Emma, but also the girls. “If we can get Helen and Leland away from the bastard for a minute or two I’m sure they will open up. I don’t trust the guy, Adam.”
“Neither do I, Bane. Neither do I.”
Chapter Twelve
Emma leaned against Adam. “If you need a break, I can drive, too.”
r /> Adam had just taken over the wheel from Bane. “We’ve got it covered, baby.”
“But, guys, we’re going back to Wilde without stopping.” They’d all agreed to drive straight through so that she could take some extra time to unpack and set up her new home. Bane and Adam were going to help her there, too. They were her dreams come true. “We’re all beat from packing up my apartment.”
Bane squeezed her hand. “We’ll keep it in mind.”
“Don’t just keep it in mind, let me take over the driving for at least a couple of hours. It’s not fair for me to just sit back and enjoy the trip.”
They both laughed.
“Okay, honey. You can take over when we hit Casper,” Adam said.
Bane grinned. “Em, you sure have a lot of fire inside you.”
“You’ve only seen a small portion of my blaze, guys.”
“Really?” Adam smiled. “Sounds like we have a lot more to look forward to with you, sub.”
She grinned, anxious for them to show her more about BDSM. They’d even promised to take her to The Masters’ Chambers once they believed she was ready. She vowed to herself to learn fast. The club would be a kind of graduation for her into the life that they’d been in for several years.
“I’m so excited about everything. I can’t wait to get the girls to Wilde and get started on my new job. You guys have been so wonderful. Autumn and Andrea really took a liking to you.”
“Two handsome Marines. What’s not to like?” Adam laughed. “They stole our hearts, Em.”
Bane nodded. “You’ve done an amazing job with your girls. And all alone.”
“I saw you talking to my grandparents. They must’ve told you about how absent Larry has been.”
“They sure did,” Adam said. “How is he reacting to you moving the girls to Wilde?”
“Honestly, I’m not sure he gives a damn. It really is strange how he has shown up lately. I can’t seem to figure it out.”
“My gut tells me he can’t be trusted.” Bane turned to her. “How long were you married to him?”
“Two awfully long years. I was only sixteen when I found out I was pregnant. He was twenty-six.”
Bane cursed. “The son of a bitch should be in prison. You were a minor.”