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“No! You can’t have her!” she screa down her face, her body ith sweat Her naked legs shook under her weight

Not sure what she was talking about he started, “Lou, I don’t want her” He extended a hand in her direction, hoping she would see it as a sign of peace The screarew louder

Brody rose from the bed “For the love of God,” he rabbed a cup of water from the sink He walked back to the bed and threw it in her face She sputtered bloater fro hands up to wipe her eyes

“Brody?” she asked quietly Realization crossed her face and she visibly relaxed He could literally watch the tension leave her body She crawled across the bed and deposited herself in his lap, still shaking Her arms climbed around his neck and she burrowed her face into his shoulder “Thank God you’re here,” she whispered against his skin

He gently rubbed her sweat dampened skin as he murmured to her, “You okay?”

He felt her nod against his chest and heard a small, “I think so”

Brody looked up to find Sadie and Jeb in Lou’s doorway Sadie started to enter the rooot this, Sadie”

“But…” she started

Jeb cut her off He took Sadie by the hand and said firot it, Sadie” He looked pointedly at Brody and said, “It certainly looks to ot it”

“She’s safe with me” His eyes met each of theirs in turn “I promise”

Jeb tugged Sadie’s hand gently “Let’s go back to bed”

Sadie frowned but allowed herself to be led from the room Jeb closed the door behind them

Brody cupped Lou’s cheek with his hand and brushed the sweat-da and falling against his chest That hen he looked down and realized he only wore boxer shorts At least I slept in soht

“Do you want to tell ainst her hair

He felt her shake her head against his chest but felt her arle hold from around his neck She visibly relaxed in his arh and pulled her closer to hi She looked down, noticed her state of undress and said, “Boy, this is aard, isn’t it?”