Page 64 of Finding Denver

But what if?—

The sound of an approaching car snatches me from my thoughts. I lift my head to look down the street, and the warmth in my chest vanishes. The hairs on the back of my neck stand on end, and years of living on edge tell me to brace, to prepare.

A hand grips my wrist. A man is beside me, unshaven, a hint of tobacco on his breath.

And a small tattoo of a spider on his neck.

The woman who owns the house looks between us, her smile faltering.

“You come with me alone,” he says. “Or you both come with me.” He nods at Holly, and I squeeze her hand, a cool sweat breaking out across my back. “Decide.”

Stay calm. Don’t panic. Get away from the kids.

I swallow and nod quickly, crouching before Holly. “You’re gonna go with this nice lady for a few minutes.”

Holly shakes her head. “No, I want to stay with you.”

“It’s just for a few minutes.” I tuck her hair behind her ear. “Go inside for me, please.” Holly’s lip trembles, and the woman gapes at me in terror as I plead with her with my eyes to take her. She reaches out and takes Holly by the hand, gently pulling her inside.

The door closes, and I have seconds. If he takes me to that car, I’ll likely never be found. Spider will never let me go.

The steps down to the street are empty, and I search for Colt. Among a sea of families, I spot him talking to Lewis.

Look at me. Look at me.

“Hurry.” The man’s grip on me tightens.

Colt turns his head, his gaze landing on me. His eyes slide to the man, then dart around, likely looking for Holly. I look back at the house and hope he knows what I’m saying.She’s in there. She’s safe.

Colt reaches into his coat but pauses when I shake my head.

He can’t shoot a gun here.

There are kids everywhere.

The car that turned into the street is getting closer.

They’re going to take me.

Chapter 17

Colt

Denver gives me a wicked grin as Holly takes her hand and they go to the next house. I’m jealous but smiling, happy that they’re getting along. She glances back at me once as she rubs her neck, and I wink.

Lewis is beside me. “Do we get candy?”

“Why else do you think I’m here?” I ask, and he smiles.

I like Lewis. He could have been territorial over Charlie taking over, but he wasn’t. His priority is keeping Denver safe, not being in charge, and that’s what she needs.

The thought is a little jarring. I don’t know what she needs—not even what she wants. All I know is she’s in a city she doesn’t know, and I want to keep her safe. As I would anyone.

The woman at the house is talking to Holly, and Holly is nodding enthusiastically. She was looking forward to tonight for weeks, but I still almost canceled. It’s too busy, too open, and even though not everyone knows my face yet, I’m still a target. But I couldn’t let her go out with Wilder,who is a beacon of fucking danger at the moment, and I’ll never trust anyone more than me to make sure she’s safe.

Holly is by the door, and my gaze lands on Denver as she waits by the gate. Talking to some guy. Laughing with some guy.

“Who the fuck is that?” I ask Lewis.