Bitter Truths (The Denton Family Legacy 3)

“Everyone on that list I would give my life for, Ruby. The stuff they know, it can hurt the Dentons.”

“You need to face the fact that someone on this list will not die for you, or anyone else, Oliver. We need to find out who this is before someone else gets hurt.”

She stood up and made her way into the bedroom. Changing into a pair of jeans and one of Oliver’s shirts, she packed away her blade, and the now cleaned gun she’d gotten from her father’s desk.

Maddox was still pestering her about what to do with her home. It wasn’t really her home, and she hadn’t been back there since she’d gotten the files that Lionel had left for her.

Oliver was waiting for her. He held his arms open, and she went to them.

“I’m sorry we have to burst our bubble.” He kissed her lips, and she melted like she always did.

“It’s fine. It’s not really, but I have to deal with it. It’s what we do.”

They held hands on the way down to the car, and even when they were inside the car, they held hands. She stared at their locked fingers, knowing that this was her life now. She was happy, content, finally, after so long.

The drive was uneventful, and she knew without asking that Oliver was worried about his sister.

There were several parked cars already in the private driveway when they got there, and they didn’t wait around to be greeted.

Entering the Dentons’ family home, they found the family in the living room. Tamsin was hugging her uncle Rick as they entered. She looked pale and scared.

“You gave me a fucking fright,” Oliver said, moving in, and pulling her into his arms. They were all close. Anyone who took the time to look could see that the Dentons were a family at heart. They were close.

Tamsin was nearly thirteen, and was clearly shaken up by what she’d just gone through.

“I’m so sorry,” Tamsin said.

“You’ve got nothing to be sorry for,” Oliver said.

“The school has already been given a warning. I told them I don’t accept this, and until I’m satisfied that the bastard was caught, she’s not going back to school. Even with guards, they tried to take her.”

Ruby leaned against the doorframe, watching the room. Jacob, Lou, their two children were sitting on one sofa. Abel held his son, and Harper was beside him. Landon and Sarah were standing together. Gideon and Damian were there, along with Rick and Mandy.

She also noticed Bruce, Charlotte’s personal bodyguard, was in the room.

Tamsin pulled away and moved toward Ruby’s side. “Do you think I’ll be safe with you? No more hugs.”

“I thought you didn’t mind hugs.”

“I don’t, but now they’re going to treat me like a child. Now more than ever. I wish I could go back and hurt the man who tried to take me. I’ve never been so scared in my life.”

“It’s understandable, sweetie. What you went through was scary. Did you recognize him?” Ruby asked.

“No. I was totally shocked. I thought he was a teacher or something. Then when he just grabbed me, threw me over his shoulder, I panicked. I didn’t even hit him, Ruby. It was so embarrassing. I screamed for help. I didn’t even kick out. I just screamed. My brothers have to fight all the time. They do fight, and they’re good at it.”

“Something like that can scare us, Tamsin. You should be thankful that you’re alive, and you’re safe. Not many girls in that situation can. Don’t dwell on the bad stuff, okay? You’re safe, and you shouldn’t think you’ve done something wrong.”

“I like you, Ruby. You don’t talk down to me like a kid.”

“You’re thirteen.”

“In three weeks.”

“Still, you’re old enough to know this stuff.” She patted her shoulder just as her cell phone went off. “I need to get this. You okay to keep our doorway secured?”

“Yep.”

Ruby left the room, heading out toward the backyard so she didn’t have to worry about anyone sneaking up.