“Could they be of help, sweetheart?” Bull motioned to his brothers. “They’re offering.”

Offering to help? Just like that? Her family wouldn’t have helped. “Really?” Hope bloomed inside her.

Bull glanced at his brothers. “Let’s talk at Mako’s place.”

“Yeah.” Gabe’s gaze dropped to the paper in Frankie’s hand. “This smells a lot like a goatfuck. Caz, leave Regan at your place, but fetch Hawk and JJ. I’ll get everyone else.”

As she and Bull walked across the lawn to Mako’s house, she tried to think—and was so incredibly grateful for the hard arm around her waist, the strength of Bull’s body against hers. He guided her to a seat on the sectional and sat beside her.

She remembered the last time she was here—when she’d served them the Italian meal. Somehow it seemed as if music still lingered in the air. She’d spent that night with Bull and all the nights since.

She reached up to touch his jaw. His muscles were tense. Was he… Oh, cavolo. “Are you wondering how much of what was between us is a lie?”

His eyes were black when he looked down at her. “I had a moment of concern.” His gaze softened. “But even though you didn’t trust me with everything, I don’t think you lied about how you feel about me.”

“I didn’t. I w-wouldn’t. I thought I could get her out of there on my own and not risk you getting hurt.” She blinked hard because…she knew, oh, she knew, how much it hurt to learn that love was a lie. Her voice came out a ragged whisper. “I love you. I do.”

“Shhh. I believe you.” He tucked her tightly against his side. “We’ll figure out what to do.”

In the next few minutes, the rest gathered. Gabe with Audrey, Lillian, and Dante. Caz brought JJ and Hawk.

Lillian took one glance at Frankie and settled beside her, taking her hand. “Now, love, what’s this mess we’re here to fix?”

The brisk question was like a crisp wind blowing away the cloudy fears.

Time to be clear and concise. Focus, Frankie. She drew a slow breath and started. “I have a friend, Kit, my bestie through college and after, and I’m godmother to her son, Aric. He’s four now. In Texas, she married Obadiah, one of the Patriot Zealots.”

Frankie rested her head against Bull’s shoulder, so very comforted just to have him beside her. “I got a letter from Kit asking for help…” She continued to explain how she’d ended up in Rescue and how the children were held hostage to ensure their mothers’ cooperation. “Kit was terrified that the police or FBI would try to get into the compound and get into a battle and the children would get hurt.”

Gabe rubbed his chin. “Like the siege at Waco.”