A muscle in Hayes’ jaw ticked. “I’ve got officers picking up Kenny Chambers now. He’s not going to get away with this. Those kids will never be back in his custody.”
I nodded. It wasn’t enough, but it was a start. All I could think about was what they’d endured, and for years. Ramseyseemed to sense my turmoil because he moved in closer. His thumb reached out and swiped back and forth across my hand. Just that barest touch sent a flood of warmth through me that I couldn’t explain.
“They’re strong. They’re going to bounce back from this,” he assured me. “It’ll take time, but we’ll be there for them along the way.”
Hayes locked on Ramsey’s and my hands and the point of contact, and then he forced his gaze up to Ramsey. “Thank you for what you’ve done for Aidan and Elliott. They’re lucky to have you.”
He reached out a hand to Ramsey for a shake. Ramsey hesitated for the briefest moment and then took it. “Thank you for getting them the help they need.”
Hayes nodded. “I need to head back to the station and call the district attorney. I want this thing to move as quickly as possible. I’ll have an officer come and pick up Aidan’s truck and drop it off at the Millers’.”
“Thanks, Hayes.” My stomach churned, but I forced myself to step forward. My move was quick. I stretched up on my tiptoes and pressed a kiss to his cheek. There was a slightly unsettling feeling at the contact, but mostly, there was relief that I could show my brother that I loved him with a simple touch. “It means a lot that I can always count on you.”
He swallowed, his throat working. “I’d do anything for you, Shy. You just have to call.”
“I know. That’s why I did.”
He nodded, ducking his head as he moved to his SUV. A few seconds later, he was heading for the front gate.
So many emotions whirled within me. The familiar guilt was there, but so much more, too. Most importantly, there was hope.
Fingers linked with mine, and I turned to Ramsey. I didn’t stop until I’d wrapped my arms around him. I couldn’t voicewhat I wanted to say out loud. Ramsey had made it clear that he didn’t want that from me. So, I said it silently, telling the air between us how much I cared for this man.
I burrowed into his chest. “I’m so sorry.”
“It’s not for you to be sorry about.”
“I can still hate that you’re hurting. That those boys are hurting. I know this had to bring up a lot of hard memories.”
Ramsey rested his chin on the top of my head as his arms came around me. “I could kill him.”
“You and me both.”
“No. I’m capable of it. I know I am.”
“I’m gonna say it again. You and me both.” I had that level of rage in me. There was no sense in pretending that I didn’t. “If you think that’s going to scare me away, you’re wrong. Because it’s in me, too. And I’m not sorry. It means we can fight back when we have to. That we’ll never be victims again.”
Ramsey brushed the hair out of my face, his hand cupping my cheek. “You’re amazing, you know that? Pure fire.”
I looked up into those onyx eyes. “Only for the people who matter.” And I burned the brightest for one person. Him.
21
RAMSEY
The steady soundof the shower was like torture. Each water droplet that fell brought with it images that had no business being in my brain. Smooth, golden skin. Long hair in a cascade of brown and gold. Face tilted up to the water.
I squeezed my eyes closed, trying to clear the image away. Kai’s head landed with a thud on my lap. I slowly opened my eyes. “Don’t give me that look.”
There was so much judgment in that steely gaze.
“Like you’re any better. You follow her around, practically drooling.”
Kai let out a low, grumbling sound.
I scratched behind his ears. “I know. We’re both hopeless.”
He licked my arm as if to say, “At least we’re in it together.”