Page 78 of Serpent & Saviors

“Where’s Andrew?” I asked, feeling frantic.

“He’s answering some questions with one of my officers. I’m going to need the three of you to stay behind. We need official statements and details of what happened, especially from you. I trust you had no choice with the bodyguard? Looks like a case of self-defense. I understand one of you has a recording,” Detective Matthews said, directing his attention to Marcus and another gentleman I hadn’t seen before.

This one was also very tall, but had no visible tattoos. His shorts and T-shirt hinted that I’d interrupted an afternoon jog through the park. His build was easily defined by his clothing. There was an absolute ruggedness in his appearance.

His piercing blue eyes locked onto mine, holding them hostage, almost. A wicked grin erupted across his face as he caught me studying him. He was meticulously trimmed from his eyebrows down to his defined beard; it framed a square jaw.

Something immediately told me this was Andrew’s friend, Sebastian. These men were a part of his crew; it was in the way they confided in Marcus. Their comfortability was easily seen. A wave of relief washed over me. Marcus would be okay.

“I guess that means it’s just the three of us,” the mountain of a man said, who hovered over me like I was going to bolt.

“Huh?” I said stupidly.

“Home. I’ll take you and the kid, get you settled.”

His expression was unreadable. Not a flicker of emotion touched his face, not even when his jaw tightened for a split second before going still again. His eyes were guarded, like a stone wall hiding everything beneath the surface. He towered over every man in the room, looking like a beast with his untamed dark hair.

Built like a fortress, his physique was intimidating, awe-inspiring, almost. Muscles upon muscles strained against the shirt around his upper arms. He was larger than life, but there was a gentleness about him.

Maybe it had something to do with the wayward lock of hair that had fallen over his forehead. Declan’s did that too. He mumbled under his breath and tensed. Surprising me, he reached for Declan.

With a tenderness I hadn’t expected, he lifted him from my arms. He cradled him to his chest like something precious and stared down at him. The man’s face transformed before my eyes. It softened, reflecting an almost paternal warmth.

Cradled in his powerful but tender arms, Declan remained undisturbed. A loud sigh escaped Declan as he nestled closer. My heart swelled with gratitude and a sense of profound peace.

“Come on now, buttercup. Don’t forget the bear.”

“I don’t even know your name,” I said, realizing how stupid it sounded.

“I’m Ivan. We can get acquainted on the way over. Marcus, I’m taking the Audi since it has her bags from the hotel. See everyone back at the house for a debriefing.”

With those words, he walked off with Declan. I had to practically jog to keep pace with him. His long strides demanded extra effort on my part, and I was so exhausted. My breath came in short bursts.

“Could you slow down, please?” I exclaimed, my voice strained.

He exhaled sharply, not quite a sigh but close, and finally eased his pace. He shifted Declan effortlessly, keeping him close. “Sorry,” he mumbled, his tone softer than I expected.

The Audi loomed ahead, parked haphazardly in front of the house. He stopped and notched his head toward the door. I opened it for him, and he set Declan inside the back seat before turning to me. “In,” he said simply.

I slid inside, my hands still unsteady as I fumbled with our seatbelts. The engine purred to life, and Ivan pulled out. The tension in my chest refused to ease. The silence stretched between us, thick with everything that had happened.

We hit a bump, and I shook my head, focusing my attention on the occupant of the car. So this was Andrew’s best mate in the entire world. Ivan hadn’t said one word to me since we climbed into the car. So much for getting acquainted.

I’d hoped we would have seen Andrew on the way out, but they must have been questioning him in the basement. It felt strange to be going to his house, or I guess their house, without him.

We drove for what felt like forever. I didn’t even realize how late it had gotten. How long was I out of it? By the color of the night sky, it had been a while. Declan remained asleep the entire way. My mind drifted again; my own eyes felt heavy. I wanted to curl up in Andrew’s arms and sleep forever.

He came for us. He saved us.

Lost in my thoughts, I didn’t realize the car had pulled up to a mansion. It was set back from the street, with a large wrought-iron fence surrounding the perimeter. The guard opened the gate, and Ivan drove up the wide circular driveway that was made of smooth paving stones and lined with lights.

Staring up at the house, I only then realized that Kinsley lived here, too. Waves of nausea rolled through me. Would she hate me?

That was a stupid thing to think. Of course, she would hate you. You slept with her man several times in the past week.

Ivan jumped out and opened the door. He reached for Declan once more and, because I was feeling so fatigued, I let him carry him inside. We walked through the front door, and I stared around in awe.

It had a double-height arched doorway made of intricately carved oak, and after stepping in, I blinked. The foyer was lit by a crystal chandelier that hung from the soaring ceiling. It seemed like a warm and inviting home.