Page 67 of Timber's Line

“Let big brother handle it.” London waves me off and Silas holds my leg. If I tried, I wouldn’t be able to move from him just holding my leg, he’s that strong.

“Did they follow us?” Mason wonders.

“Don’t know. Don’t care,” I mutter. “I only care about her.”

I don’t care what they think they have on her. I will make sure they never talk to her again. I try to get up again, but Silas holds me down.

“You can’t go causing a scene,” he whispers in my ear.

I huff and slump back down.

Memphis escorts her back to the table, but she’s withdrawn. I pull her close to me so she knows I’m not going anywhere.

“I’m ready to go home.” She looks at me, and I can see her eyes are red. Memphis hands me his keys, and I silently thank him, leading her out to the car.

She’s quiet on the way home, and I need to show her that whatever she is thinking about herself doesn’t change how I feel about her.

CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

TIMBER

The date had been amazing. I know he had help planning it, but I wouldn’t say it. He was nice and sweet. I love talking to Dayton. I excused myself to go to the restroom, wanting to take a moment.

“Look at this, all alone,” Oscar said.

Luis blocked the door so I couldn’t get past. I was scared of what would happen.

“I don’t know why you’re running now.” Luis tried to reach for me, but I door is kicked open, and Memphis was there.

“Get lost,” he yelled, and they left.

“How did you—”

“How did I know?” he asks, cutting me off.

I nod. “I saw them follow you.”

“And Dayton?”

“He saw too, but he’s being restrained at the table.”

“He can’t get in trouble,” I say, and Memphis nods.

“Come on, let’s go back to the table.”

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“You’re family.” He tenses when he says that. I don’t understand it.

“Can we go home?” I whisper to Dayton, and I see Memphis toss him his keys.

“I’m sorry I ruined dinner,” I sniff, and Dayton takes my hand once we are in the car.

“You didn’t ruin it.”

“Okay.”

“Want me to take care of those guys?”