“Okay, what happened while we were gone?” He waits, but I can’t find the words. I can’t even think up a good lie. He grabs my arm and pulls me to Cole’s office, closing the door behind us, then he stands and crosses his arms. “I’ve got all night.”
Ouch!“I don’t want to be here anymore,” I blurt out.
“Bullshit,” he tosses back.
“I don’t feel safe.”
“Yes, you do.” His eyes narrow in on mine. “At least you did right up until we left. So, what happened while we were gone?”
I shake my head. I don’t know what to do.
“Savannah, did someone hurt you?”
I let out a sob and put my hand over my mouth, wanting to spill everything but scared to.
He stands in front of me, holding my arms.
I flinch and look away.
“The men in this house are part of a tight group. We all have to be able to trust one another. If there is something we need to know, you have to tell us before we bring any more people to this safe house.”
Oh, God. I start to cry harder.
“He told me he’d hand me to the Cartels if I tell anyone.” The words are out before I can stop them.
“Do you think Cole would ever let that happen? He’s my brother, and I can honestly say this is the first time I’ve seen him head over heels for a woman.”
I feel myself blush.
“He is one scary guy and knows a lot of dangerous people. No one in their right mind would cross him.”
I nod but can’t help thinking,York did.
“Okay, so that being said—” His voice suddenly changes. “Who hurt you?”
I pull in a sharp breath. “I’ll tell you, but you need to help me erase the tape. I don’t want Cole to see it.”
“No deal, Savi. I’d get fired for that.”
My anger rises. “Then show me where they are, and I’ll do it.”
“I can’t let you on his computer. Besides, Cole has the tightest security system you can buy, and he has a ridiculous number of passwords.”
Well, that, I believe. “I don’t want Cole to see me like that. He may not want me—” I stop myself, shaking my head.
“Savannah.” He grips my arms.
This time I cry out.
He lets go as his eyes narrow. He quickly tugs at my sweater, but I step back. “Savannah,” he says again and reaches over and yanks it off my shoulders.
I try to cover up the marks, but he bats my hands away.
“Holy fucking shit!” he snaps. He turns me to the side to get a better look at the perfect handprints, then steps back, running his hands through his hair and covering his mouth as he thinks. After a moment, he moves to Cole’s computer and starts typing away.
“Please, Mark,” I beg him, “don’t.” I pull my sweater back on as I race up to the front of the desk. I knew he knew the passwords. “Mark!” He isn’t listening. “Please, please, please, stop.” Then his face drops, and I watch in horror. It’s like seeing a train heading for a car full of people who can’t get out. I know when he gets to the part where York throws me up against the wall, because the color drains from his face. He slowly stands and walks toward the door. I throw myself in front of it.
“Mark, please, I promise I’ll tell Cole. Just wait until after tomorrow.”