After cutting up Eli's eggs, I shove in another piece of perfectly crisp bacon. Exhausted but so fucking satisfied. From Hunter's torture and Molly's sweet pussy. Her sexy bed hair and sanguine smile reflect her contentedness too. The angst from his bullshit replaced by the reverence of our love making.

Belinda sets a platter of pancakes on the table just as a harsh ring bounces off the stark white walls. A frown crosses the older woman's face. "Nothing good ever comes from calls this early in the morning."

She answers the yellow wall phone, an antique I haven't seen in at least ten years. "Hello...No, it's fine, we were up...Oh no!"

Shock steals the color from her cheeks, and she clutches the edge of the tiled counter before motioning to Junior. They both hustle toward the dining room, closing the door with only the long spiral phone cord keeping the latch from shutting completely.

"I hope everything's okay."

Molly clutches my hand under the table. Her pink fingers so delicate against my olive skin that I have to remind myself not to squeeze them too hard. "Me too."

Despite her concern, she manages a smile at Eli. Bouncing in his seat with joy. Finally able to go horseback riding. Kid glows like it's his birthday, Christmas, and Halloween all rolled into one. I'm glad Molly gets to be the one to provide him with the experience. They're going to have a great time.

"Finish eating, and then we'll go get your boots on."

His face lights up with Molly's instruction, and he shoves in his peach slices, sputtering with the excessive mouthful. I pound on his back when he coughs, spewing little pieces of fruit all over the table making Caroline gag.

"Gross Eli!"

Their laughter fades as Molly's parents return. Belinda's face scrunched with sorrow, while Junior's expression is unreadable. I swear to fucking god he looks pleased, but can't figure out the disconnect to his wife's agony.

Her Dad taps Caroline on the shoulder. "Why don't you take Eli out to feed the horses?"

A question disguised as an order that her little sister understands. She hops up with Eli on her heels, already peppering her with questions as they file out the back door.

"Can we give them apples? Do you have to cut them up? Do they drink milk with their breakfast?"

His voice fades away once they reach the grass lining the driveway. I keep my face neutral already well-aware of the content of Belinda's discussion.

"That was Sue Hoage. She said Hunter..." Her hand curls over her mouth, shaking her head before she can continue. "...was attacked last night. He's in ICU at the hospital in Holmville."

Absolutely zero guilt. Except for Belinda's anxiety. But even that angst isn't enough to make me regret what we did.

"What happened?"

Molly's whisper contradicts with the vise grip on my forearm. Not sure what she's feeling but what ever fear or doubt she carries I will end it.

"It's so vicious, so horrible. They cut off some of his fingers, pulled out his teeth, broke his nose and ribs. They even mutilated his..."

With a trembling hand, she flaps below her stomach. Too demure to say the word.

Yeah, motherfucker won't ever rape a woman again. But he might not be so lucky when he returns to jail. Franklin's idea. Which I think was more for him than me. Hunter ended up being one of his favorite victims. The pathetic crying and begging feeding Franklin's psychotic hunger. Got to give the guy some reward for his excellent work, so I let the stupid bastard live.

Now Franklin can enjoy the torture Hunter endures while locked up, and can get to him anytime he wants. I have to admit I take a perverse pleasure in knowing Hunter will get fucked over every single day for the remainder of his shitty life. A little bit of revenge on his victims' behalf.

My stomach growls, but I refrain from eating while they discuss the dumb ass. Although I give zero fucks about his trauma, these are good people who care and have respect for another human's suffering.

"Is he going to be okay?"

Belinda shakes her head from Molly's inquiry. "They don't know. They're doing everything they can but have to wait and see."

I don't flinch under Junior's gaze. Fully aware he knows. A smart man who can easily put all the clues together. Strangely enough, he seems nonplussed. Guilt probably dampens his revelry, but still relieved Molly will never suffer again because of that bastard. Just like I am.

Molly's mother pats her chest. "Well, for his mother's sake, I hope he pulls through."

She'd be better off without him, but I keep that sentiment to myself. Molly covers my hand on her thigh. Her own uncertain feelings swirling on her face. I earn a small smile when I kiss her temple. You're welcome baby girl. I'll always take care of you, more than you'll ever understand.

Another bell interrupts the silence, everyone lost in their own reverie. Junior stands up first.

"Now what?"

We follow him like the fucking pied piper, although I'd much rather be finishing my breakfast. Got to play the part, feigning a concerned demeanor while I caress the small of Molly's back. Actually, I'd rather be finishing her off, welcoming her cries of pleasure with my cock buried deep inside her.

All my wicked thoughts evaporate when Junior opens the door.

Sean.

He stands with another officer, both of them removing their hats before they step inside the house.

"I'm sorry to bother you, Junior. But we're investigating an assault against Hunter Rowe last night."

Anger from that motherfucker's name again coils her father's body just like my fist. "What does that have to do with us?"

No reaction to her father's harsh tone. Just glances at me before presenting a fake stoic expression to Junior. "I know how you feel about him, but we still have a job to do. There were reports of a black Escalade near the scene, similar to Mr. Ellison's. We'd like to have a few words with him."

Motherfucker acts like I'm not fucking standing right here. I step forward, hating the loss of Molly's skin under my fingers. None of them need to be exposed to this. I always fucking take responsibility for my actions. But Junior holds out his palm toward me, never taking his eyes off Sean. "Luc was here the entire time I was in the house. So was his vehicle."

Technically true. Junior was in the barn while I was gone. Conveniently omitting the fact that I actually did leave. Fucking shocking me nonetheless.

Sean shifts on his feet. Bullshit and he knows it. A real detective would drag my ass to whatever police station they have in a town like this and interrogate the hell out of me. At least until my lawyer busts me out and my bribes make their way to the appropriate people. But now, with the woman he loves frightened and her Dad putting himself on the line, his loyalty is torn.

"Really Junior? You'll vouch for him? Even under oath?"

Her father’s broad shoulders roll back. Not sure if he's defending me or himself. "Absolutely."

“Okay, then.” Sean nods, slow and hesitant, but retreats to the porch. “I’ll be back if more substantial information presents itself.”

Like the bastard I am, I grasp Molly's hand. One more dig before he goes that she's mine. "You do that."

Sean lets my remark slide without comment. Too good and virtuous and decent to engage in a show down. Too respectful to battle in front of her or her parents. We both know our places in this world. Shame for him that corruption always wins out.

Except for this angel, who curls her sweet body against me after her parents return to the kitchen. Worry and confusion coiling her tight grip around my waist as her head rests on my chest.

"That was so weird. I can't believe they thought you could've been involved."

Fear that only she can generate pounds in my chest. The tightrope of confidence swaying from the terror of how fucking fast my world will implode if she ever discovers the truth. "Doesn't matter. You're safe from that bastard, and that's all I care about."

She cups my face and presses a chaste kiss on my cheek with her parents only a few feet away. "I love you."

"I love you too." I take her hand in mine again. "Let's go check on Eli."

Some of the sparkle returns to her eyes. Excited about sharing her passion with him. Finally able to move from the past and focus on the future. Our future.

Once outside, we separate at the pasture. She walks along the fence, trailing her dainty fingers over the white vinyl, her ring sparkling in the abundant sunshine, to meet Eli and Caroline. While I head inside the barn. Her Dad and I need to talk.

Nodding to me as I approach, Junior's expression remains unreadable. Focused on the nail he's driving into the bottom rung. Maybe waiting for me to speak first. Which I most definitely will. "Thank you for that back there. I appreciate you defending me. You didn't have to do that."

He blows out a long breath, his hammer tapping against the wood. Choosing his words carefully. "There's more to you than you let on. Don't think I've missed the security guards surrounding my property. Or didn't hear about the guy beating up Hunter at the festival and then suddenly disappearing before anyone could talk to him."

Fuck. I guess I should've known how fast gossip spreads in a small town. "I‒"

The palm of his free hand flips up. "I don't want to know. About last night or anything else. You told me yesterday you loved my daughter and would keep her safe. It seems that you've kept your promise. Let's leave it at that."

Probably for the best. Mutual understanding about the best I can expect between us. Easing a bit of my angst from leaving. Only three days. Even worse - two nights without her in my bed. But it will all be worth it once Creed's dead.