SafetyInNumbers-Final Read Free Page A

Billy was his first real friend and the only person to know everything about him—it was terrifying to think that they wouldn’t move forward together in some capacity.
    “You’re right.” Billy kissed his forehead before pulling back. “You’re absolutely right. We’ve faced down killers together. We can handle family dinner.”
    They stepped from the car and looked up at the house together. It was quaint and welcoming, and the sound of laughter and football spilled from the open front windows, drawing them closer. At the door, all of his bravado deserted him and Owen hesitated in uncertainty. Was he supposed to knock or was he allowed to just walk in?
    “I’ve only been here a few times since my release and always with Bull,” Owen admitted quietly. He’d only recently completed his six months at the halfway house and gotten his license back, along with the condo his brother helped him buy. “I’m not sure what to do.”
    Billy took the decision out of his hands and rang the bell. “That always works.”
    The front door opened quickly, as if his sister was standing just on the other side waiting for their knock. Considering how long they sat in the car it was entirely possible. “It’s about time you guys came in. Do you know how hard it was to keep the animals away from the appetizers?”
    She ushered them in, pulled them each into a bone-crushing hug, and waved them toward the living room with a not-so-subtle rebuke. “That door’s always open to both of you. Next time you ring my bell, I’m gonna leave you standing on the stoop.”
    As she headed off toward the kitchen, Billy turned wide eyes to him and asked, “Is she always like that?”
    Owen could only laugh and slap his friend on the back. Being an honorary Connor was going to rock Billy’s world and Owen was glad he had a ringside seat for it. “Welcome to the family.”

Chapter 1
    August 10, 2015 – Liam
    Liam pushed open the fire door and searched the rooftop for his brother. After a long, crappy day at the garage, it didn’t take a high IQ to know where Chris would be. It was their anniversary, after all. Eight years as brothers who stuck together no matter what. They had been so naïve when they made that promise, just foolish teens who recognized a kindred spirit in each other. There was no way they could have known how important that connection would become, but most days it was the only thing he had to hold on to.
    Back then, Chris had been shorter than him by a few inches and going through that awkward, gangly period that normally preceded a growth spurt. Now he was a beast. Few could keep up with him in the gym and only fools tried. Liam thought he knew why, thought he understood that Chris refused to be a victim again. If that meant Chris had to make himself the biggest, strongest, most intimidating badass around, how could Liam argue? He couldn’t. It wasn’t his place. Their power balance teetered precariously on the understanding that Liam would be the voice of Chris’s intent. Getting to that point had been the second most important moment in their brother bond.
    A strong hand settled on his shoulder, pulling him back before the memories took hold, and he looked up to find Chris frowning down at him. That frown said Chris knew exactly how close to the rabbit hole he’d gotten and he wasn’t happy about it. If someone asked how Liam knew what Chris was thinking, he’d be hard pressed to explain it. Those soulful eyes spoke volumes, but it was more than that. It had gotten to the point that he didn’t even have to look at Chris to know what he wanted him to do, he’d just feel it. Allowing Chris to lead had freed him to grieve for the farce that was his life, for the father he believed in, and the monster he’d somehow become. It had been his brother’s unconditional gift and cemented their bond forever.
    “I know, I know,” Liam grumbled. “Let it go and all that shit. Maybe I should put the damn song on my iPod