He’d never sneaked in his life, but until he got a handle on O’Klaren, he wasn’t about to talk to Bear.

Not to mention his son who’d come to him earlier to tell him about how weird Robin was becoming.

She wouldn’t let him kiss her and stopped him sleeping in her bed. She also didn’t drive to school with him anymore. He’d played the part of doting father because it was expected of him, but he didn’t have the time or the energy to pansy to his son.

Bishop was a problem, and Preacher knew the moment his son knew the truth, it would cause no end of trouble, which was why he had to handle O’Klaren now.

Climbing out of the car, he made his way up to her door and knocked.

It was opened by a small, petite woman, wearing a dress, her hair neatly pinned back, with lots of makeup, which didn’t hide the shiner on her face.

“I’m sorry. You shouldn’t be here,” she said.

“I take it your husband likes to leave a mark.”

She went to touch her cheek and shook her head. “It’s dangerous. Please, leave.”

“How about I come in, we have a talk, and I tell you I’ve got the answers to all of your prayers, you’ve just got to do something for me,” he said.

“I … you can’t help me. If he finds out you’ve been here, he’ll hurt me.”

“He does that a lot? Hurt you?”

“He does whatever he wants.”

“Then how about you and I work together so he stops hitting you,” he said. “Aren’t you tired of being a punching bag?”

Tears filled her eyes, and he watched as they fell down her face. “No one can help me.”

“Because he’s a cop? He’s got friends in high places. I can start making a whole lot of noise and he’ll be here within a second, or we can sit and chat about how we can make this work.”

She looked doubtful, but clearly his offer was too tempting for her to turn down. She let him walk right past her, and he took in the perfect, beautiful home.

The heavy scent of lavender filled the air.

Her hands clenched. “You can’t walk through the house in those boots.”

“I’m not leaving this spot. I only want to know how desperate you are to get rid of your husband.”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“I know about the hostels and the shelters you’ve tried to go to. I know you’ve tried to run from him a couple of times.”