Page 32 of Viktor

Sara suppressed the shiver that wanted to run a marathon all the way down to the tips of her toes. His voice was fast becoming her Kryptonite. It was sinful to have a voice that good. Right then was not the time to dwell on it, though. She tried to get loose, and his arm tightened around her waist.

“Stop being ridiculous,” she huffed.

“We’ve had this conversation, Sara. If there is a threat to you, then you will listen to what I ask you to do. I told you to stay put. If you can’t be trusted to do it, I’ll make sure you stay put.”

“Andy is no more a threat to me than you are. I’ve known him since I was five years old.”

“Doesn’t negate the fact that he could still be dangerous. He’s here on your ex’s behalf.”

“He’s not her ex,” Andy ground out.

“But he will be soon.”

“And you’re ready to slide right in, aren’t you?” Andy accused.

“Look, Andy, you need to stop. Viktor’s here because I need him here. Roger keeps violating the restraining order when no one’s around. I’m scared of what he might do.”

Andy frowned, his expression turning troubled. “Sara, I don’t understand any of this. Roger doesn’t seem like the kind of guy who’d beat his wife and kid.”

“You think I’m lying about this?” Viktor’s arm tightened, and he hauled her against his chest when she shouted. She took comfort from his strong arms. He was giving her strength just by being here and supporting her. It was a new feeling for her.

Andy took another step toward her but stopped at the low growl that emanated from Viktor. She rolled her eyes. The man needed to seriously chill. She and Andy were good friends.

“No, Sara. You’re not someone who lies. I’m just having a hard time wrapping my head around this. Why didn’t you tell me? I would have done something to help.”

Her shoulders slumped. “It’s complicated.”

“Complicated or not, I would have put a stop to it.”

She believed him, but apparently Viktor didn’t. He wouldn’t let her go when she tried to disentangle herself from his grip.

“I swear to God, if you don’t let me go, I’m going to stomp your foot!”

He only grunted.

Her phone buzzed before she could follow through on her threat, and she pulled it out, seeing her mom’s name flash across the screen. It must be important. Her mother rarely used her cell phone.

“Mom?”

The sob that greeted her sent chills to the very depths of her soul.

“Mom, what’s wrong? Where are you?”

More crying came across the line. She started to shake. Viktor took the phone from her. “Mrs. Grafton. This is Viktor. I need for you to calm down and tell me where you are.” He listened for a moment and then said, “I’m on my way. Stay in the car and keep the doors locked.”

“What? What is it?” Sara twisted so she could look at him. His face was unreadable.

He didn’t answer her. Instead, he took out his phone and shot off a quick text. “Go inside and do whatever Gabe tells you.”

“Viktor…”

“No,” he barked. “This is one of those times I told you about. Get your ass inside that house and lock every damn door and window in the place.”

She opened her mouth to argue, but he shut her down.

“Now, woman!”

She glared, but she moved out of his arms and stomped up the porch steps, completely forgetting about Andy. She was pissed and scared. Her mother had been crying. She never cried. What was wrong?