Rising (15 page)

“It’s time to go.” Riley stood. “Thank you kindly for having us.”

Savannah followed his lead.

“This has nothing to do with you.” Ronald rose from his seat and marched across the room. “You need to leave now, but she is staying with us. She still has a debt to pay.” He grabbed Riley’s arm. “Dwayne, come here and help me.”

Her ex-fiancé hesitated. Charlotte urged him forward.

Riley’s laughter made her peer up at him. “Old man, you don’t know me, but trust me when I tell you…you want to let me go.”

“Get out!” Ronald flung Riley forward.

“Do you remember lynchings? I’m the man that will make that your reality if you don’t remove your fucking hand,” Riley growled. “And after I’m done…” he shook his head, “…I hate repeating myself, but I will burn this bitch down. I already brought the gas can.”

Della audibly inhaled. It sounded like wind blowing through thick curtains.

Ronald dropped his hand.

“Get out of our house.” Her mother stood.

“Wish I could say it was a pleasure meeting you.” Riley stared at Ronald. “If you can’t share pleasantries with Savannah, don’t bother calling. And if for any reason I find out that you have contacted her to give her grief—well, I hope you understand. I’m a country boy and have no problem gutting pigs, so given your size and weight, you will be a breeze. You can thank Savannah that you’re still breathing or I would have ended your lives a while ago. Come on, Sweetness. I hang out with some shady fucks and these folks are below them.”

She clutched his fingers with her own and left the house. Outside, she hung back until he turned to look at her. “Thank you.” Her voice was low.

Riley hadn’t banished all her demons, but in that moment, he was all she needed to keep the ones left at bay. Weight had been lifted from her shoulders and she was drunk with relief.

In wonder, she touched his lips with her fingers.

He enclosed her fingers within his hand. “Let’s go home.”

The End