Hidden Away (KGI #3)(104)

Unexpected tears burned Rusty’s eyes as she stared agape at the scowling brothers.

Donovan curled his lip back and took a step forward. Matt shrunk about three inches and went even paler. “Do you know what we do with punks like you?” Donovan asked.

“N-no sir.”

“I have no respect for little pricks who beat up on women,” Garrett snarled. “Especially a woman who happens to be a part of my family. Let me give you a little advice, Winfree. Stay away from Rusty. Far, far away. If I ever catch you near her, if you ever even say her name to anyone, I’ll find a dark hole for your body and trust me, no one will ever find you. You got me?”

Matt’s head bobbed up and down, his eyes so wide that he looked like a deer in the headlights. Rusty wiped at her eyes, determined she wouldn’t cry. But damn if her chest wasn’t about to burst open. Their sister. They’d called her their sister. A part of their family. They were sticking up for her. Hell, they’d just threatened to kill a guy if he ever messed with her again.

She stared at them in wonder as Matt all but ran to his car. A moment later, in a squall of tires, he roared out of the parking lot.

“I can’t believe you did that,” she whispered. “For me.”

Sam grimaced and his expression softened as he took a step toward her. “We meant every word. You’re our sister. Mom’s taken you under her wing, and her chick you’re going to stay. No one f**ks with the Kellys, and I mean no one. You’ve been around us long enough to know that by heart. Well, you’re a Kelly now and no one’s going to mess with you.”

Without pondering the rightness or whether he’d be appalled, Rusty launched herself into Sam’s arms, nearly toppling them both over. She squeezed him so tight that it was a wonder he could breathe, and she’d never felt anything better in her life.

Brothers. Protective older brothers. The mind boggled. That they gave a shit about her stunned her. And it felt better than she could have ever imagined.

“Thank you,” she said as she gripped him harder. “No one’s ever done anything like that for me.”

When she finally drew away, she was embarrassed by the tears streaking down both cheeks. Her nose was all snotty and she probably looked ridiculous.

“Got a hug for your other brothers?” Garrett drawled.

She eyed him suspiciously for a moment. He was nice enough to Rachel, and Rusty saw him be affectionate and lovey with both Rachel and Sophie, but the truth was, he scared the shit out of her. But when he opened his arms, she forgot all about her fear and launched herself into his embrace.

One by one they all hugged her until she was a weepy, snotty mess. She cried all over them and they sighed indulgently, just like big brothers should. It was the best day of her entire life.

CHAPTER 40

“SO what are you going to do now?” Donovan asked quietly when he and Garrett were finally alone.

Garrett dropped onto the couch in the war room and stared tiredly at his younger brother. “I’m going to Boston to kick the shit out of Stanley Cross and make sure the little bastard never tries anything with Sarah again.”

“I’m going,” Donovan said tightly.

Garrett nodded. “Rio called a while ago. He wants in too. I’m going to make that little son of a bitch pay.”

“We could always make him disappear,” Donovan said with a shrug. “There are places where his body would never be found.”

“Don’t tempt me. I’ve never contemplated cold-blooded murder in my life, but I’d do it now and suffer no regrets.”

“And afterward? What then?”

Garrett knew what Donovan was asking. “Then I’m going after Sarah. I’m bringing her home with me. I’m not coming back without her.”

“I figured.”

“Yeah, I know you did,” Garrett muttered. “I’m head over ass for her. I can’t imagine my life without her. She may not forgive me. I don’t know what the hell I’ll do then.”

“You’ve never been the type to give up,” Donovan said dryly. “You’re a stubborn bastard.”

The security doors opened, admitting Sam.

“Thought you were on kid duty,” Garrett said.

Sam wore a frown and Donovan and Garrett exchanged uneasy glances.

“Joe’s been hurt. Busted his leg. He’s being flown to Fort Campbell.”

“Shit,” Donovan swore. “What about Nathan?”

“No word on Nathan. Ma got the call a while ago. All they told her was that Joe was hurt in combat. They patched him up and were flying him to the base. He’ll be there tomorrow.”

“That’s it, though? How did he break it? Bullet or what?”

“They didn’t tell her shit,” Sam said in frustration. “She’s pissed and ready to go kick some army ass. I’m going over with her tomorrow to keep her in line or she’ll end up behind bars.”

Donovan chuckled despite the seriousness of the situation. Then he glanced at Garrett. “Should we wait to see Joe before we head to Boston, or you want to go now?”

“What the f**k are you going to Boston for?” Sam demanded.

“A little unfinished business,” Garrett said quietly.

“Shit. Don’t call me to bail your asses out of jail.”