Finn

“No shit?”

“No shit. He didn’t say a thing, just questioned me with his eyes.”

“What happened?”

“I promised him I was in this for the long haul and Presley was my life. Told him I wasn’t going anywhere. He and Johnny both seemed satisfied, but not without threats to my life and my manhood. Dad got a kick out of the whole thing.”

“Wish I could have been there. At least Thad was in prison when he met me. Not much he could threaten.”

“Well, they seemed to soften a little when I showed them the latest GPS tracker with two receptors that they could also download the app to their phones and tablets.”

“Same ones we put on Governor DeSantis’ kids?”

“Yep. Winnie will have one in her backpack and in her earrings.”

“A little overboard, are we?” He chuckles in amusement.

“Laugh all you want, but we can never be too careful. Winnie won’t be in danger, but I believe in precautions. Predators hang around schools.”

“Sick fucks. When we have kids, I’m doing a full check on every family in their class.”

It’s my turn to laugh, because he’s completely serious. After Dane got to Ember so easily last year, he’s taken his protective streak to the extreme. Ember finally put him in check when he asked for each week’s appointments at the shop to run background checks. I don’t even want to know what she threatened, but he backed off reluctantly.

“So…” He hesitates and grips the wheel a little tighter. I know immediately what’s coming. “Raven called.”

“She called me, too,” I admit. “I haven’t called back.”

“You going to?”

“You asking as her brother? Or my best friend?”

“That’s not fair, Finn. She’s your family, too.”

I sigh and think about how to handle this. Robbie has never pushed me. Even worried and concerned, he’s always been careful, not crossing a line.

“Robbie, I told you when she married Declan, she was where she belonged. I was content and happy. Life was good. Meeting Presley knocked me on my fucking ass. I don’t have to explain it to you, because you know.”

He nods in understanding.

“So you also know, w

hen she was hurt, I felt it all the way to my bones. For the few days she ignored me, I watched the damn phone like a junkie needing a fix. Even with the trace on her phone, knowing where she was, I had to think of what I’d say to convince her she was the one.

“I may have said it, but I’ve never fully explained to you. She’s the strongest woman I know. She gave up so much for everyone else and never looked back. I knew I needed to prove she was loved and worshipped. Raven hurt her, and in turn, that hurt me. Not to mention, Raven decided to form opinions without asking me first. Those opinions were indirectly a reflection of my judgment.”

“I get it.”

“Not even close, because when Ember’s sister showed up and crushed Ember’s heart, you went into beast mode. I didn’t have that option because RJ is family. So yes, I will call her back, but I need to make sure Presley is ready to make things right. It’s important to me.”

“Jesus, I wanted to kill that night. Ember looked so broken, so defeated. I would have done anything to take away that pain.”

“Then you know where I’m coming from. Presley holds the cards. We need to give it some time.”

“Gotcha.” He looks like he wants to say more, but my phone rings.

“What’s up, Tripp?” I answer.

“Man, where are y’all?”