Chapter Fifty-Eight

It was obvious to Lena when Dane rushed out of the lodge that he needed a minute. Whether or not he needed a minute alone was unclear.

She wanted to go to him, to offer support or a shoulder, but she wasn’t sure if he wanted her there. She looked to his family for the answer to her silent question.

“Go make sure he’s okay,” Justin offered as Garrett and Angel nodded in agreement.

Not wasting a second, she hurried out and found him heading for the lake at a pace she wouldn’t be able to catch. Even with his injury, he was moving like a man looking for a place to implode. He was probably in so much pain over Tobey, he didn’t even notice the pain in his leg.

She found him sitting on the dock, his head on his knees and loud sobs racking his body. She’d been there. She knew there was nothing she or anyone could say to make him feel any better.

Instead, she quietly sat next to him and wrapped her arms around him. He allowed himself to fall against her, and she felt his hot tears on her neck as he struggled to get through the agony.

Eventually, he caught his breath and was able to speak. “I don’t know why I’m losing it now. I mean he’s fine. He has food, a place to sleep, and even a new fucking T-shirt. What is wrong with me?”

“Nothing is wrong with you. You’re just seeing the truth between the lies.”

He sat up and looked at her.

It was better to rip the bandage off and deal with it. No matter how much it hurt. “It doesn’t matter that Butch is playing a game with those kids,” she said. “They are not safe. At some point you realize if Viktor gave Butch the order, he would put down his cards and hurt those kids. It’s all an illusion.”

He looked pained. “I want to leave right now and get him out of there, but I know we have to be smart about this, because we won’t get another chance. It’s just taking too goddamn long.” He rubbed his temples. “How have you survived this for all these months by yourself?”

He reached for her, pulling her against him. Giving instead of taking. His arms around her and the strength he provided felt so good.

“I knew I couldn’t give up,” she said quietly. “I knew I needed to stay close and do what Viktor wanted until he let down his guard and I was given an opportunity to act. That opportunity is now.”

Dane nodded. “Thank God.”

“I need to be ready, which means I need to learn how to shoot.” She swallowed down her nerves at the thought. “Will you teach me? Because Justin scares me a little bit.”

Dane smiled. “Of course.” He took her face in his hands and pulled her in for a thorough kiss. Then he leaned back to look at her. “You’re the strongest person I’ve ever known. We’re going to get Kenzie back.”

“I know we will,” she said.

Because there was no other option.